By Horn Africa News
Mahas – The Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab has seized control of Mahas, a strategically important town in the central Hiraan region of Somalia, following a sudden and unopposed withdrawal of government and regional security forces, according to multiple local sources.
Residents of Mahas reported that Al-Shabaab fighters entered the town in the early hours of Sunday morning, heavily armed and moving in large numbers. The militants quickly took over key locations within the town, raised their black flags, and established multiple checkpoints to control movement in and out of the area.
“The militants came in without a fight. Government troops had already pulled out overnight,” one resident told Radio Shabelle by phone.
Eyewitnesses noted that there was no exchange of fire, and no immediate resistance from Somali federal or regional forces, who had reportedly vacated their positions under the cover of darkness hours before the arrival of the militants. The sudden nature of the withdrawal has raised concerns among locals, who fear reprisals and stricter control under the militant group’s rule.
The fall of Mahas is seen as a significant blow to the Somali government and its allies. The town was previously liberated from Al-Shabaab control in 2023 during a large-scale joint military offensive involving federal forces, regional militias, and international partners. That campaign had been hailed as a major success in the effort to reclaim territory and weaken the group’s influence in central Somalia.
Security analysts say the loss of Mahas not only undermines recent stabilization gains but also signals potential vulnerabilities in Somalia’s counterinsurgency operations. The town’s recapture by Al-Shabaab may embolden the group to attempt further territorial advances and disrupt humanitarian and governance activities in the region.
As of now, Somali federal authorities have not issued an official statement explaining the withdrawal of troops or detailing plans to respond to the loss of the town. The silence has fueled speculation and frustration among residents and observers.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been engaged in a brutal insurgency in Somalia for more than 15 years. Despite facing intensified military pressure from Somali forces and international partners — including U.S. drone strikes and African Union peacekeepers — the group continues to carry out deadly attacks targeting civilians, government institutions, and military positions across the country.
The group’s return to Mahas raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability of recent military gains and the readiness of Somali forces to hold and govern liberated areas. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in securing remote and rural regions, where Al-Shabaab maintains a strong presence and local networks.
With tensions rising and the population of Mahas facing uncertainty, calls are mounting for the Somali government and its allies to provide a clear strategy to retake the town and prevent further insurgent gains in central Somalia.
