Somalia: Al-Shabaab captures strategic village, advances towards Mataban

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabaab fighters captured the village of Comaad in Somalia's central Hiiraan region early Saturday, local media reported, in a development that could bring the militant group closer to the strategic town of Mataban.

Comaad is considered an important area because of its proximity to key transport routes linking southern Somalia with other parts of the country. The reported capture appears to mark a further advance by the group towards Mataban, which occupies a strategic position along routes connecting central and southern regions.

The village is currently about 23 kilometres from a major paved highway, according to local reports. Control of the area could increase pressure on government positions and complicate efforts to secure the main road network.

The latest development comes amid changes in the deployment of federal forces in Hiiraan, where the government recently withdrew a significant number of troops from the Hananbuure area.

Those forces were subsequently moved towards the regional capital, Beledweyne, amid growing security tensions in the region. It remains unclear whether the troops will be redeployed to confront Al-Shabaab in Comaad following Saturday's reported takeover.

The federal government had said in recent days that it intended to recapture the area, but the reported loss of Comaad raises questions about the military's ability to maintain control of contested territories.

Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against Somalia's federal government for more than 15 years, continues to carry out attacks and seize territory in parts of the country, particularly in central and southern Somalia.

The group has repeatedly targeted military positions, supply routes and towns, seeking to undermine government authority and restrict the movement of security forces.

Mataban's strategic location makes developments around Comaad particularly significant, as further advances could threaten important transport links and increase pressure on government-controlled areas in Hiiraan.

There was no immediate official confirmation from Somali authorities of the reported capture of Comaad, and the situation on the ground remained unclear.

GAROWE ONLINE