Al-Shabaab Secures Control of Xawaadley Village Amid AU Forces Withdrawal

In the intricate dance of military strategy and unexpected natural calamities, Xawaadley village has emerged as a spotlight. Nestled northeast of Mogadishu, this village became a focal point on Monday when Al-Shabaab militants seized control just hours after African Union (AU) forces withdrew. The withdrawal followed severe flooding, compelling the troops to prioritize safety.

Why is Xawaadley crucial, one might ask? Positioned in the Middle Shabelle region, it serves as more than just a landmark. This village acts as a strategic passage between the vital cities of Mogadishu and Jowhar, significantly impacting regional stability.

Previously, Xawaadley functioned as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This location strategically fortified the Somali National Army (SNA) against militant encroachments directed at both the national and state capitals.

Monday’s events unfolded with foreboding ease. Residents recount how heavily armed Al-Shabaab forces made their way into the village shortly after the Burundian troops retreated due to the relentless floodwaters.

“Burundian troops stationed at Xawaadley Forward Operating Base, northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, have been safely evacuated due to heavy flooding in the area,” confirmed the AUSSOM statement. It’s a reminder of how nature can alter the course of human plans.

There was a minor hiccup during the evacuation. As fate would have it, one of the helicopters suffered a technical malfunction. Yet, with a stroke of luck or perhaps skillful piloting, it landed safely, ensuring all personnel reached the nearest military base without any casualties. We often overlook such instances of human resolve amid chaos.

Kareem Adebayo, who serves as the Acting Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, expressed appreciation for the prompt actions of the Burundian contingent. He said, “We commend the swift action of the AUSSOM Burundian troops during this delicate operation and reaffirm our continued support to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in mitigating the effects of the flooding.”

With the departure of AU forces, Al-Shabaab quickly commandeered both AU and Somali military bases in Xawaadley. A move that has sparked a wave of unease in nearby Jowhar, the administrative heart of Hirshabelle State. It’s intriguing how quickly power dynamics can shift in regions fraught with tension.

Reports indicate that Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein has relocated to Mogadishu, driven by security concerns. This development underscores the rising fears regarding the instability in the air. How does one lead amidst such looming threats?

At a mere 90 kilometers from Mogadishu, the fall of Xawaadley is more than a local dispute. It threatens to disrupt both civilian and commercial activities along the bustling Mogadishu–Jowhar route. As residents witness Al-Shabaab erecting roadblocks and staking claims in surrounding rural areas, the community braces for potential tumult.

These events remind us of the fragility inherent in regional conflicts and the everlasting hope for a resolution. The juxtaposition of human endeavors against the unpredictable forces of nature often paints a stark picture, prompting us to question, “What lies ahead for the people tethered to these lands?”

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring