By Horn Africa News Staff
Beledweyne — A prominent elder from the embattled village of Tardo has raised the alarm following the recent seizure of the village by Al-Shabaab militants, describing the situation as a critical turning point in the deteriorating security landscape of central Somalia.
Speaking to Horn Africa News on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, the elder condemned Al-Shabaab’s latest incursion, accusing the group of intentionally funding displacement and weaponizing fear to undermine community cohesion.
“They are deliberately driving people out of their homes,” he said. “It’s a campaign of fear and terror.”
Al-Shabaab reportedly launched a coordinated assault on Tardo in recent hours, overwhelming local defense forces after a fierce battle.
The community fighters, who had held the area for years, were ultimately forced to withdraw due to a chronic lack of support from higher authorities.
“These forces defended Tardo for years with limited resources,” the elder stated. “But when help never came, they had no choice but to retreat. They were left on their own.”
The fall of Tardo has sent shockwaves through surrounding communities. Residents now face a renewed wave of fear and instability, with many questioning how militants were able to overrun the village so swiftly.
“It’s not just a military loss—it’s psychological,” the elder added. “Al-Shabaab’s easy takeover has demoralized the people. They feel exposed and abandoned.”
The takeover comes amid a surge in Al-Shabaab activity in the Hiiraan and Shabelle regions, where the group has intensified its offensives against both military targets and civilian settlements, triggering displacement and raising alarms over a growing humanitarian crisis.
The elder’s message was a direct appeal to Somalia’s federal and regional leadership:
“If the government and Hirshabelle authorities don’t act now, other villages will fall too. Our community defenders cannot hold the line alone. We need real support—not just promises.”
The fall of Tardo serves as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of Somalia’s regional security and the urgent need for coordinated, sustained action to counter Al-Shabaab’s advance. As the militant group expands its footprint, pressure is mounting on the Somali government to reinforce local resistance forces and restore public confidence before more territory slips away.
