By HAN News Desk
BELEDWEYNE — Local clan militia fighters known as the Ma’awisley have killed several al-Shabaab militants during a targeted operation in the Dhoqor area, a rural zone along the Shabelle River approximately 25 kilometres from Beledweyne in Somalia’s Hiiraan region. The operation, which took place on Thursday, is the latest in a series of community-led counter-insurgency efforts supporting the Somali government’s wider campaign against the extremist group.
According to local security sources, the operation was conducted by a small group of three Ma’awisley fighters who ambushed al-Shabaab members believed to be active in the area. The militia reportedly seized weapons belonging to two of the militants killed in the confrontation. Residents in nearby villages say news of the incident spread quickly, prompting renewed discussions about the role of local forces in pushing back al-Shabaab’s territorial presence.
The Dhoqor area, with its dense vegetation and proximity to the river, has long provided strategic hiding spots for militants attempting to evade government operations. However, sustained pressure from community fighters and government troops has increasingly disrupted al-Shabaab’s ability to operate freely in parts of Hiiraan.
This is not the first time Ma’awisley forces have launched successful operations against the group. Over the past two years, they have become a crucial component of the Somali National Army’s broader offensive, particularly after government-backed fighters reclaimed most of eastern Hiiraan from al-Shabaab. Their familiarity with the terrain and deep ties to local communities have made them a significant force in the fight against the militants.
Analysts say the growing assertiveness of local militias reflects a broader shift in anti-al-Shabaab strategy—one that relies on coordinated efforts between the national army, community fighters, and regional leadership. While challenges remain, recent gains in Hiiraan have been viewed as a notable setback for the group, which has historically maintained influence in rural riverine areas.
Despite Thursday’s success, officials warn that al-Shabaab still maintains pockets of resistance in remote parts of the region, and operations are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
