On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the extremist rebel group al-Shabab seized control of the central Somali town of Mahaas after launching a violent assault involving explosions and a ground offensive, according to multiple eyewitness accounts and local officials. Located about 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Somalia's federal capital Mogadishu, Mahaas sits in the Hiraan region and has long been a key government outpost and critical center in the ongoing fight against al-Shabab.
The takeover marks a significant moment in Somalia's conflict, highlighting the resilience of al-Shabab despite recent military setbacks. The group, which has sought for years to overthrow the federal government and impose strict Islamic law, entered Mahaas after federal and local forces withdrew from the town, residents and officials reported.
Ahmed Abdulle, an elder in Mahaas, described the early morning attack: "There were multiple suicide blasts just outside the town early this morning, and heavy gunfire followed." He told local media that government troops and allied militias, known as Ma’awisley, pulled back shortly before al-Shabab fighters moved in.
Al-Shabab quickly claimed responsibility for the assault through its affiliated media channels, announcing that it was now in control of Mahaas. The federal government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the loss. Meanwhile, Isse Abdi Wayel, the district commissioner of Mahaas, confirmed that a provincial representative of the National Intelligence and Security Agency was among those killed during the attack, although no comprehensive casualty figures have been released.
Mahaas had been under government control for more than a decade and served as a forward operating base for federal and allied forces. From this strategic location, they launched offensives targeting al-Shabab strongholds in parts of Hiraan and neighboring Galgaduud. Its fall raises serious questions about the coordination among Somali security forces and the sustainability of recent military gains.
Despite this setback, al-Shabab has been facing a renewed offensive in recent months. Somali forces, backed by African Union troops and supported by routine U.S. airstrikes, have reclaimed several towns and villages in remote areas as part of a campaign authorities have described as "total war" against the insurgents. Yet, the capture of Mahaas underscores the continued challenge the extremist group poses in Somalia.
The town's strategic importance cannot be overstated. Positioned in central Somalia, Mahaas has been a critical hub for government operations aimed at curbing al-Shabab’s influence in the region. Its loss represents not only a tactical blow but also a symbolic one, signaling the enduring threat of the insurgency despite ongoing efforts to contain it.
Observers note that the government’s withdrawal before the assault might reflect deeper issues within Somalia’s security apparatus. The rapid retreat of government troops and allied militias, such as the Ma’awisley, suggests potential problems with coordination, morale, or resource allocation. These factors could undermine the progress made by federal forces and their partners in recent years.
Al-Shabab’s ability to mount such a coordinated attack involving multiple suicide blasts followed by a ground offensive shows the group remains a potent force. The insurgents have demonstrated a capacity to adapt and exploit vulnerabilities in government defenses, even as they continue to lose ground in other parts of the country.
The situation in Mahaas is emblematic of the broader conflict in Somalia, where the federal government and its allies strive to maintain control over territory and protect civilians from extremist violence. The ongoing struggle has profound implications for regional stability in the Horn of Africa, where al-Shabab’s activities have spilled across borders, affecting neighboring countries as well.
As the federal government deliberates its next steps, the international community watches closely. The United States and African Union forces have been critical in supporting Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab, providing military aid, intelligence, and training. However, the loss of Mahaas serves as a stark reminder that the battle against extremism in Somalia is far from over.
In the wake of the attack, questions abound regarding the future of security in Hiraan and the broader region. Will Somali forces be able to regroup and recapture Mahaas? Can coordination among the various security entities improve to prevent similar losses? And how will this setback affect the morale of government troops and local communities who have endured years of conflict?
For now, the fall of Mahaas stands as a testament to both the resilience of al-Shabab and the ongoing challenges faced by Somalia’s federal government. As the dust settles, the focus will turn to how the government and its allies respond to regain lost ground and restore stability to this critical region.
