Hawadle Clan Militias Left to Fight Al-Shabaab Alone in Somalia's Hiiraan Region

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – Fighters from the Hawadle clan militia, known locally as “Macwiisley,” are facing escalating attacks from Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region, amid a decline in federal military support, local officials and residents said on Wednesday.

The Macwiisley, a grassroots militia composed of Hawadle clan members, has led recent offensives against Al-Shabaab, particularly in rural areas surrounding Beledweyne. Their campaigns, initially supported by government forces, were crucial in pushing militants out of parts of central Somalia.

However, the withdrawal of federal troops from strategic locations in the neighbouring Middle Shabelle region — including the contested town of Aadan Yabaal — has left a growing security gap, allowing Al-Shabaab to regroup and threaten previously cleared areas.

Security analysts say the pullback has placed additional pressure on the Macwiisley militia, who are now fighting alone to defend their territory.

“If Aadan Yabaal and adjacent areas fall under permanent Al-Shabaab control, it could severely impact the strategic link between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle,” said a security source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

A major concern among local leaders is that Hawadle fighters are being left on the front lines without adequate federal support.

“These men are risking their lives for their land and people, but the government’s support has diminished significantly,” said a local official in Beledweyne, who requested anonymity due to security concerns.

Previous joint operations between government forces and clan militias had resulted in significant territorial gains. The recent shift, however, threatens to reverse progress made over the past year, particularly if Al-Shabaab capitalizes on the current power vacuum.

Community leaders have called for an urgent review of security coordination in Hiiraan, warning that without logistical, financial, and operational support, the Macwiisley fighters may be overwhelmed.

The situation underscores the reliance of Somalia’s counterinsurgency strategy on local militias, especially in areas where state presence is limited. Analysts caution that failure to reinforce these militias could allow Al-Shabaab to regain influence in key parts of central Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE