Mogadishu (AX) — This past Sunday, the strategic Somali town of Mahas fell under the control of Al-Shabaab militants, a significant turning point that marks the group’s first breach of this area in over ten years. The news is alarming and raises pressing questions about the resurgence of this group and its implications for regional stability.
The Somali Ministry of Defence has confirmed this assault, detailing intense clashes that took place between government forces, local clan fighters, and militants. While the ministry has not disclosed specific casualty figures, Al-Shabaab claims to have inflicted significant losses, including over 60 Somali troops and allied militiamen. What does it mean for a community and a nation when such losses are reported, not only in numbers but in human stories?
The violent assault featured multiple suicide car bombings, a grim tactic that forced government troops to retreat to the outskirts of Mahas. Military officials are now gearing up for a counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming lost ground. But what about the emotional toll on the soldiers and families affected? Can victories on paper truly overshadow the realities of fear, loss, and uncertainty?
Since its capture by Somali and Ethiopian forces in 2014, Mahas had served as a symbol of governmental strength in the region, signaling a decisive shift in power dynamics against Al-Shabaab. Losing it now is not just a military setback; it’s both a symbolic and strategic blow to the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat this persistent militant threat.
Strategically located in central Hiiraan, Mahas is much more than a town; it’s a vital junction integrating major routes that connect several key towns in Galgaduud, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan. Its loss disturbs logistical access to Baladweyne, Buulobarde, Matabaan, Elbur, and Guriel. Each of these names represents communities that now find themselves vulnerable and isolated—what does this mean for the people who work, live, and dream in these places?
“Mahas is a central hub for both command and defense,” remarked General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a former commander of the Somali National Army ground forces. He emphasized that its fall allows Al-Shabaab to open corridors across central Somalia, signaling debilitating vulnerabilities in national security. But how do we address that vulnerability as a society? How do we ensure that past mistakes aren’t repeated?
General Bihi also cautioned that unless urgent action is taken, the consequences of Mahas’ loss could extend much further, expanding Al-Shabaab’s territorial ambitions. He urged the federal government to consider creating a national-level commission to investigate the incident and reevaluate its military strategy. This raises a critical point: How can governance rise to meet such stark challenges?
This incident doesn’t stand alone; it is the third significant territorial gain for Al-Shabaab in just the past few months. With prior captures of Aadan Yabal in April and Moqokori in June, the militants have successfully reclaimed over 20 settlements across Hiiraan, Lower Shabelle, and Middle Shabelle since February. The escalating nature of these occurrences raises a nagging question: What strategies will be effective to counteract this momentum?
Reflecting on past efforts, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched a large-scale military campaign in 2022, aimed at weakening the insurgent group. Together with local militias, significant territories were recovered. Yet, the resurgence of Al-Shabaab challenges the narrative of progress. Mahas, once praised by the President for its community resilience against this very group, now serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the ongoing struggle faced by the Somali government in maintaining lasting security.
The people of Mahas and the entirety of central Somalia deserve more than brief moments of victory; they deserve a sustainable peace that allows their aspirations to flourish. It’s time for both the leaders and citizens to unite, drawing lessons from the past and crafting a future that honors the sacrifices of those striving for a peaceful Somalia.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
