MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabab has allegedly abducted nearly 30 traditional elders in Somalia’s Hiiraan region as it expands territorial control.
The abductions reportedly followed the elders’ refusal to attend talks initiated by the group in militant-held areas, according to local residents.
Militants then forced the elders into vehicles and transported them to locations under Al-Shabaab control, witnesses said.
In recent weeks, Al-Shabab has pressured residents and elders to provide young men to join its ranks or face harsh retaliation.
Residents say several renowned figures in eastern Hiiraan were also abducted earlier and remain missing. This has fueled fear in communities resisting Al-Shabab control.
Civilians in areas recently retaken by the group face heavy taxes on farms, livestock, water wells, and road access, residents reported.
Locals also cite forced marriages, recruitment of children as fighters, and new decrees enforcing obedience to elders aligned with Al-Shabab.
These abductions and restrictions underscore Al-Shabab’s ability to enforce its rule in parts of Hiiraan and the Middle Shabelle regions.
Despite air and ground operations, the militant group continues to carry out deadly attacks on army bases in both regions.
For the last two months, the group seized several towns following pre-dawn attacks that began with suicide explosions, followed by gun battles.
Al-Shabab still holds large swaths of rural territory, including the Middle Jubba region, where its top leaders have been based since being driven out of Mogadishu in 2011.
