By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The Somali National Army has begun large-scale military operations on the outskirts of Balcad in Middle Shabelle, in coordination with local community defence groups, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The new offensive aims to retake the strategic village of Xawaadley, which fell under the control of Al-Shabaab militants in the middle of this year. The area has since served as an important staging ground for the group’s activities in the region.
Local sources report that additional military reinforcements arrived in the area over the past several hours, bolstering units already positioned around Balcad as preparations intensify for a wider government-led assault.
Military commanders say the primary objective is the recapture of Xawaadley, describing it as a “critical” location that has enabled Al-Shabaab to maintain operational influence across parts of Middle Shabelle. Securing the area, they say, would mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to push the group out of remaining pockets of territory.
Burundian troops previously stationed in Xawaadley withdrew after Al-Shabaab fighters managed to block the Shabelle River flow into the area—an action that forced the AU contingent to evacuate due to severe water shortages.
The Somali government has recently intensified its military campaign across central regions, relying heavily on joint operations with community forces in an effort to reverse Al-Shabaab gains and restore federal authority. Officials say further updates on the progress of the offensive will be released in the coming days.
