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In a surprising turn of events that defies recent trends in Somalia’s security landscape, the terrorist group Al-Shabaab launched a large-scale attack on the strategic town of Mooqokori in the central Hiran region.

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A powerful suicide bombing rocked the town, targeting a gathering of government forces and civilians. Shortly after, Al-Shabaab — affiliated with Al-Qaeda — claimed full control of the town, marking one of the most serious setbacks for the Somali government this year.

According to local Somali media, the bombing targeted a key position manned by the Somali National Army and allied local militias. Field sources reported heavy casualties, although no official death toll has yet been confirmed.

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The town was gripped by panic, with local authorities and emergency services rushing to evacuate the wounded and secure the area. Security forces launched immediate search operations amid fears of further attacks.

In a statement, Al-Shabaab claimed its fighters had stormed the town after intense clashes, using suicide bombings as a tactical tool to break through government defenses.

The Somali federal government has not issued an official response. However, local sources confirmed that government troops and militias withdrew after putting up brief but fierce resistance.

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Accusations of negligence

The news of Al-Shabaab‘s seizure of Mooqokori sparked outrage across political and public circles. Abdoul Malik Abdallah, a member of parliament representing Hiran, accused the federal government of “serious negligence” for failing to support local militias who have been fighting on the front lines for months without adequate backing.

“We saw massive military displays during Independence Day celebrations, but those weapons never made it to the battlefield, where the people of Hiran are defending themselves against extremism with their bare hands,” he told local media in Mogadishu.

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This escalation comes amid mounting security tensions in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, where government forces and clan-based militias are engaged in a complex military campaign against Al-Shabaab.

Despite limited gains in some areas, terrorist groups have shifted to hit-and-run tactics and retaliatory bombings to break containment and pressure weak frontlines — clearly seen in the case of Mooqokori.

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The town holds strategic importance, acting as a vital link between supply lines in Hiran and command centers in Shabelle. It has served as a logistical hub for army and militia movements, making it a constant target for Al-Shabaab.

According to Somali analysts, Al-Shabaab, facing growing pressure in its traditional strongholds, is now leaning on high-impact attacks to break the siege, exploiting any security void or logistical breakdown.

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