MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Intense fighting broke out on Tuesday between Somali government forces, allied clan militias, and Al-Shabaab militants on the outskirts of Buloburde town in Somalia’s central region of Hiran, marking a significant escalation in the militant group’s recent counter-offensive.
The clashes erupted after Al-Shabaab launched a dawn attack on the strategic village of Aborey, located near Buloburde, where Somali troops and pro-government Mawisley militia (locally referred to as “men with sarongs”) maintain bases.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 50 soldiers, seized military vehicles and weapons, and overrun the targeted bases. However, the Somali federal government countered these claims, asserting that its forces had successfully repelled the assault, killed a number of insurgents, and pursued the remaining militants to the banks of the Shabelle River. Neither side’s claims have been independently verified.
The violence comes just a day after Al-Shabaab announced the capture of Adaan Leheey village in the Middle Shabelle region, signaling what appears to be a coordinated and long-planned counter-offensive aimed at reclaiming territory lost over the past three years to Somali forces and allied militias.
This resurgence follows a series of recent gains by the militant group, including the seizure of El Baraf town and surrounding villages last Thursday, where they disrupted key supply routes to government-held areas.
In response, the Somali government has been mobilizing reinforcements to regain control of the area. Reports indicate that the troops targeted in today’s attack had been deployed from various parts of Hiran region to recapture El Baraf from the militants.
The fighting has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with families and relatives of fallen soldiers posting condolence messages and images of the deceased. Pro-government accounts have also criticized authorities for what they describe as a failure to anticipate and prevent the assault.
Somali intelligence chief Abdullahi Mohamed Sanbalolshe had reportedly visited the area recently to mobilize local fighters and residents in preparation for reclaiming militant-held territories. However, the recent clashes underscore the fragile nature of the government’s gains over the past three years, with multiple villages in Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions frequently changing hands in recent weeks.
The situation remains fluid, with the outcome of the terror group’s counter-offensive still uncertain. Analysts warn that the group’s resurgence poses a significant threat to the stability of the central regions, as the Somali military and its allies struggle to maintain control over hard-won territories. The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by the government in its efforts to counter the militant group’s resilience and adaptability.
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