By Horn Africa News Staff
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | Mahas, Hiiraan Region
A significant military mobilization is currently underway in the district of Mahas, located in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia, aimed at intensifying operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The efforts are focused on dislodging the group from Moqokori, a town they currently control, following heavy clashes that took place yesterday.
In a show of high-level commitment to the offensive, Ali Jeyte Osman, the Presidential Envoy for Community Defense Forces, arrived in Mahas on Tuesday to spearhead strategic planning and coordination on the ground. Ali Jeyte, widely recognized for his leadership in organizing local defense forces, joins a strong contingent of military and regional officials in Mahas.
Already present in the town is the Governor of Hiiraan, Muse Salaad, accompanied by senior security personnel, including the Commander of the 5th Battalion and other key officers. Their arrival underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the Somali government and local administrations are approaching the current threat posed by Al-Shabaab in the region.
Joint Meetingss with Elders and Commanders
High-level meetings are underway involving military commanders, regional administrators, traditional elders, and community leaders from Mahas. The discussions are centered on accelerating military plans and ensuring broad-based local support for the operation to liberate Moqokori.
Sources close to the operation indicate that preparations include both military reinforcements and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of the planned offensive. Community elders have reportedly pledged their support to the campaign, stressing the need to eliminate Al-Shabaab’s presence and restore peace and security.
Loss of Senior Intelligence Commander Confirmed
Amid the ongoing preparations, Somali authorities have confirmed the death of Commander Abdi Muumin Elmi, known as “Abdihish”, a highly active and respected officer within the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Commander Abdihish was leading a unit of national intelligence forces during the fierce fighting that erupted on the outskirts of Moqokori yesterday.
His death is seen as a significant loss for the national security apparatus, particularly in the region, where he played a key role in frontline operations and intelligence coordination. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and local leaders, who hailed his dedication and bravery.
Context: A Region at War
The Hiiraan region remains a hotspot in Somalia’s ongoing war against Al-Shabaab. In recent months, community-led defense groups, backed by the Somali government, have increased pressure on the militant group, reclaiming towns and key supply routes. However, Moqokori has remained one of Al-Shabaab’s strongholds, making the current operation a critical turning point in the broader effort to reclaim the region.
Security analysts say the arrival of top leadership and the consolidation of military and local forces in Mahas reflect a strategy to combine grassroots mobilization with structured military planning — a tactic that has proven successful in other parts of central Somalia.
As the situation continues to develop, residents and observers alike are watching closely to see if this latest campaign will succeed in weakening Al-Shabaab’s grip and paving the way for stability in Hiiraan.
