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The Jowhar District Police Command has confirmed that two militia members have been arrested following an attack on Hirshabelle regional security forces in the Middle Shabelle region on Thursday. The incident occurred in the village of Mareereey, located on the outskirts of Jowhar, a key town in southern Somalia’s Hirshabelle State.
According to Jowhar District Police Commander Abdifatah Arwaah Aden, the attack was carried out by armed militias suspected of having ties to the al-Shabaab militant group. He said the ambush targeted a vehicle belonging to Jowhar District Police officers who were on patrol duty along the road connecting Mahaday and Jowhar districts. “A group of militias ambushed a vehicle belonging to the Jowhar District Police Station while our officers were on duty. The group is suspected of being linked to terrorism,” Commander Abdifatah told reporters.
The clash led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the armed group. Independent sources reported that at least three people were killed on both sides, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Several others were injured during the confrontation, and some were taken to Jowhar General Hospital for treatment.
Security forces quickly launched a pursuit operation in the area following the attack, managing to capture two suspected assailants who are now in police custody. The police commander said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ connections and motives behind the assault. He added that the authorities are committed to ensuring that those responsible face justice and that peace is restored in the affected communities.
Tensions have remained high in parts of the Middle Shabelle region, especially between Mahaday and Jowhar, where frequent disputes over farmland have caused friction among local clans. Residents of Mareereey and nearby villages say these land-related conflicts often draw in armed groups, escalating into violence that disrupts farming and trade in the region.
Community elders have called for urgent intervention by both regional and federal authorities to prevent further clashes. They accused certain individuals within the Hirshabelle administration of contributing to the unrest for political or personal gain. The elders urged the government to address the root causes of the conflict, including unclear land ownership and poor local governance, which they say continue to divide communities.
In recent months, security forces in Jowhar and Mahaday have intensified operations against al-Shabaab and other armed groups believed to exploit clan tensions to establish influence. These operations aim to improve security along major roads and safeguard residents who rely on farming for their livelihoods.
Commander Abdifatah reassured the public that security forces remain vigilant and that measures are being taken to prevent further attacks. He encouraged residents to cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that community support is crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the area.
The latest incident highlights the fragile security situation in parts of Hirshabelle, where overlapping clan rivalries and militant activities continue to threaten efforts toward lasting peace. Local leaders, supported by government forces, are now pushing for reconciliation talks and stronger policing to deter future violence.
Observers warn that the standoff could further erode public confidence in both the government and opposition, especially if violence escalates. For now, residents of the capital are caught between rival political camps—one calling for public mobilization, the other threatening strict measures against dissent. How the situation unfolds in the coming days may determine whether Mogadishu sees another round of unrest or manages to pull back from the brink.