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At least four Al-Shabab fighters were killed on Wednesday during a clash with Ma’awisleey militias near Maxaas, a town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia. The confrontation is part of a growing wave of community-led resistance against the extremist group as local forces work to regain lost territory.
The fighting broke out about 16 kilometres outside Maxaas after intelligence reports revealed that Al-Shabab militants had entered the area early in the day. According to local sources, the militants were attempting to dig defensive trenches in preparation for a possible confrontation.
In response, Ma’awisleey fighters—who are aligned with the Xawaadle clan—launched a surprise attack to prevent the militants from establishing a base in the area. A commander from the Ma’awisleey told local media, “We attacked a small group of Khawarij fighters who were digging trenches. We killed four of them, injured others, and took control of the area.”
This incident is the latest in a string of skirmishes between Al-Shabab and the Ma’awisleey militia in the Hiiraan region. The Ma’awisleey originally formed as local self-defence groups to protect their communities from insurgent threats. Over time, they have become a key part of Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabab, especially in the Hirshabelle state.
In recent weeks, Al-Shabab has regained control of several villages in Hiiraan, taking advantage of a lull in federal military activity. In response, the Ma’awisleey militias have increased their operations, focusing on areas around Maxaas. Their goal is to reclaim lost territory and prevent Al-Shabab from regrouping.
While Somalia’s National Army and African Union forces are engaged in larger military campaigns in other parts of the country, local militias like the Ma’awisleey have taken on the responsibility of protecting rural areas. Despite limited resources, these fighters enjoy strong support from their communities, which helps sustain their efforts on the ground.
Security analysts warn that even though Al-Shabab has lost some territory, the group remains dangerous. They often exploit weaknesses in local governance and security by launching surprise attacks, planting bombs, and influencing rural communities. These tactics highlight the need for better coordination between federal troops and community militias to ensure lasting peace.
Hiiraan remains one of Somalia’s most unstable regions. The ongoing clashes between the Ma’awisleey and Al-Shabab show both the serious security challenges the region faces and the strength of grassroots resistance. As federal and international forces continue their broader operations, local militias like the Ma’awisleey play a vital role in filling the security gap and protecting their communities from extremist threats.
In the face of repeated attacks, the resilience of these local fighters shows the importance of community-led initiatives in Somalia’s long battle against Al-Shabab. With better support and coordination, these efforts could significantly weaken the militant group’s hold on central Somalia.