Al-Shabaab militants attacked a Somali federal military base in Coomaad, western Hiiraan, on Saturday, triggering heavy fighting with government troops and allied Macawiisley fighters. The casualties and control of the strategic area remain unclear.
COOMAAD (Somali Report) — Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on a military base operated by Somali federal forces in the Coomaad area of Matabaan district in the western Hiiraan region on Saturday morning, triggering heavy fighting with government troops and allied local fighters, according to reports from the area.
The militants reportedly targeted the military position in an apparent attempt to seize control of the strategic settlement, prompting an intense exchange of fire between the two sides. Government forces, supported by local community fighters known as Macawiisley, engaged the attackers in a prolonged confrontation.
The outcome of the fighting remained unclear, with no immediate official confirmation of casualties or information on which side had control of Coomaad following the clashes.
Coomaad is considered strategically important because of its location along routes connecting parts of Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions, which fall under the administrations of HirShabelle and Galmudug, respectively. The federal military base in the area plays a significant role in maintaining security along these routes and protecting movement between communities in the two regions.
The attack comes amid renewed Al-Shabaab military activity in parts of Hiiraan, where the group has continued to challenge government forces and local armed groups involved in counter-insurgency operations.
Some reports have linked the latest developments to growing political tensions in the region and an apparent decline in federal government military operations alongside the Macawiisley, the locally mobilised community fighters who have played a key role in efforts to push Al-Shabaab out of central Somalia.
The relationship between federal forces and local fighters has been central to security operations in Hiiraan, particularly since the government launched a major offensive against the militant group in 2022. The campaign relied heavily on local mobilisation, with community fighters providing intelligence, manpower and knowledge of the terrain.
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However, sustained military pressure has remained a challenge, with security operations affected by political disagreements, logistical constraints and shifting alliances among local actors.
Coomaad's strategic position makes it an important location for both government forces and Al-Shabaab, as control of the area could influence security and access along routes linking settlements in Hiiraan and Galgaduud.
The latest attack also comes at a politically sensitive time for HirShabelle, whose administration is facing mounting pressure over tensions in Beledweyne, the regional capital of Hiiraan.
Local demonstrations and growing opposition to the regional administration have added to the political challenges confronting HirShabelle, raising concerns about the potential impact of internal disputes on security and counter-insurgency efforts.
HirShabelle authorities had not issued an official statement on the attack or the security situation in Coomaad at the time of publication.
The absence of confirmed casualty figures and an official account of the fighting has left the extent of the damage and the current security situation in the area uncertain.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
