MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked militant group, has reportedly deployed heavily armed fighters in central Somalia’s Mudug region.
Residents say the militants arrived in recent days on the outskirts of Harardhere, a town controlled by Somali National Army (SNA) forces since 2023.
The fighters reportedly came from Middle Shabelle, Hiiraan and Galgadud regions in an attempt to retake Harardhere town.
Witnesses say Al-Shabab has established new bases outside the town, raising fears of renewed clashes with SNA forces.
Harardhere, a town with vital supply routes, was liberated in 2023 during a joint offensive by SNA and regional forces.
Despite air and ground operations, the militant group continues to carry out deadly attacks on army bases in Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions.
For the last three 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.
