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A tense situation is developing in central Somalia as Al-Shabab militants gather near the town of Ceel Baraf, in what appears to be an attempt to take over a major road connecting the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. In response, local militia fighters loyal to the Somali government have quickly moved to secure the area and block the group’s advance.
Sources on the ground say fighters from the Macawiisleey militia—a community-based force supporting the federal government—have strengthened their positions in Qoryaale and Xalfooley villages. Both villages are located in Jalalaqsi district, along the Jidka Jaayga highway. This highway is seen as a critical route linking Jalalaqsi to Ceel Baraf and is vital for transport and supply movement across the region.
Intelligence reports suggest that Al-Shabab is preparing a coordinated attack to seize control of this road. The militant group briefly took over Ceel Baraf earlier in July as part of its “2025 Shabelle Offensive,” a campaign that has seen it recapture several villages and transport routes in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Just last week, the group overran Moqokori, a key transport town in eastern Hiiraan, marking one of its most significant territorial gains in recent years.
To prevent further losses, Macawiisleey fighters have deployed heavily to key junction points. Local residents report a sharp increase in militia presence in Qoryaale and Xalfooley, with fighters digging defensive positions and setting up checkpoints to monitor movement and block any attempts by Al-Shabab to infiltrate.
Officials say the militias now have full control over these areas, which are seen as essential to defending the town of Jalalaqsi. The Jidka Jaayga highway is especially important, as it connects communities and allows movement of goods and people. Losing this route to Al-Shabab would create major disruptions.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has a long history of targeting roads and key junctions to weaken government control. By taking over rural routes, the group is able to move supplies, collect illegal taxes from locals, and restrict government access to important areas.
The current standoff is part of a broader conflict between Somali government forces, supported by local militias, and Al-Shabab, which continues to launch attacks across the country. Over the years, the Somali government has relied on groups like Macawiisleey to defend rural communities and fight back against Al-Shabab’s efforts to expand its territory.
With tensions rising and both sides reinforcing their positions, residents in the affected areas remain on high alert. Many fear the situation could quickly escalate into open fighting if Al-Shabab launches an attack on the strategic road.
For now, the government-backed militias are working to hold the line and prevent the militant group from gaining more ground in central Somalia.