Saturday, July 5, 2025 — Horn Africa News (HAN)
Buloburte — Heavy fighting has broken out on the outskirts of Moqokori district in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, according to reports reaching Horn Africa News. The clashes are between local community defense forces, known as Ma’awiisley, and militants from the Al-Shabaab group.
Sources say the fighting began early this morning when Ma’awiisley forces launched an offensive on Al-Shabaab positions in the Gumare area, near Moqokori. The operation reportedly targeted fighters who had gathered in the area, sparking intense combat.
While casualties have been reported on both sides, the exact numbers remain unconfirmed at this time.
So far, neither the Hiiraan regional administration nor the Somali federal government has issued an official statement regarding the situation.
The fighting comes amid a surge in Al-Shabaab’s military activities in areas between Aadan-Yabaal and Moqokori, spanning the regions of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
Moqokori is seen as a key strategic location. If Al-Shabaab were to gain control of the district, it could connect several contested areas, including Yasooman, Abooreey, Beeroyabaal, and Jicibow — regions that have seen repeated clashes between the militants and community forces.
