Somalia continues to struggle in its long fight against al-Shabaab, as the militant group retook key towns in recent weeks. The recapture of Adan Yabaal, located about 220 kilometers north of Mogadishu, highlights the fragile control held by government forces in newly liberated areas.
Adan Yabaal, once an important logistics hub for the Somali military, was briefly under government control. But al-Shabaab launched a surprise pre-dawn attack that forced soldiers to retreat. The town links Hirshabelle State to Galmudug State and plays a strategic role in military movements.
Al-Shabaab Strikes from Multiple Directions
Fatuma Nur, a local mother of four, described the attack to Reuters. “After morning prayers, we heard a loud explosion and then gunfire,” she said. “They attacked from two directions.”
This swift loss of Adan Yabaal has raised concerns about the government’s ability to maintain security after reclaiming territory.
Security expert Ronnie Bradford, from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said Somalia is facing a “shifting patchwork” of control. He added that poor coordination between military and civilian leaders makes long-term stabilization very hard.
Stabilization Challenges Hurt Progress
Bradford, a former British Army colonel, explained that while lack of funding plays a role, the bigger problem is the weak planning around stabilization efforts. There is no clear link between military success and creating strong local governments in recaptured areas.
He wrote that without proper planning, al-Shabaab can easily return to towns the government had claimed. The result is ongoing violence, poor access to services, and limited investment or job growth.
Security Forces Spread Thin in South West State
In South West State, the situation is complex. Several security groups operate in the area, including:
- Somali National Army (SNA)
- Somali National Police
- National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA)
- South West State Special Police
- African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)
- Ethiopian National Defense Forces
Even with all these forces, al-Shabaab still controls or influences much of the state, especially in rural areas and on major roads near Mogadishu.
Bradford noted that while many officials meet for coordination, most of them do not have the power to act. “Even if staff meet weekly, they often lack the authority or tools to make real changes,” he wrote.
Lack of Clear Plan Slows Stabilization
Somalia’s stabilization strategy includes many national and state-level policies. But there is no single, united plan that ties them all together. Many actors in the government and military do not fully understand their own roles.
Bradford offered several ideas to improve the process:
- Develop clear guidelines for military tasks during stabilization.
- Build trust and regular communication among security and civilian teams.
- Hold state-level coordination meetings every month, instead of once every quarter.
- Create a full government plan that includes timelines, goals, and needed resources.
He also said civilian workers must be ready to act quickly after a military operation ends. Services like healthcare, education, and police presence must be set up as soon as possible to prevent al-Shabaab from returning.
Aboorey Village Also Lost to Militants
On the same day that al-Shabaab took back Adan Yabaal, the group also captured Aboorey village. The village is key for moving between Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Galmudug.
Local sources said fighting lasted two weeks. Government forces lacked strong air support, making it harder to hold the area. Reports from Garowe Online said both sides suffered many casualties. Al-Shabaab claimed it killed several members of the pro-government Ma’awisley militia and seized military vehicles.
A security expert told Caasimada Online, “Losing Aboorey creates big problems for Somali forces. It cuts off important supply routes.”
Mission Transition Adds Pressure
These attacks come as the African Union’s new mission, AUSSOM, replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). But AUSSOM is still growing and faces issues with funding and troop numbers.
A senior diplomat in Mogadishu told Caasimada Online, “The Somali government and its allies must change their strategy. These losses are a serious warning.”