Adan Yabar – Al-Shabaab militants seized the strategically important town of Adan Yabar in Somalia’s central Shovel region on Wednesday, overwhelming government forces and launched a pre-Dawn attack that marked the group’s most important territorial interests since the start of the major Somalia attack in mid-2022.
The attack began at dawn, with the rebels hitting from multiple directions, causing violent clashes between the Somali forces and local clan militias, security sources and sightings said. The heavy shooting lasted for hours, but the disruption in communication made the exact number of casualties unclear.
Located 245 km north of Mogadishu, Adan Yabar has been the basis of Somali military operations since it was recaptured from Al Shabaab in December 2022. The town’s losses highlight the enduring ability of extremists to challenge government control.
The media division of Al Shabaab has insisted control over the town and its environment, but this has not yet been claimed to be independent. Two security officials confirmed that government forces and allied militias had withdrawn under pressure from relentless extremists.
The attack reveals the vulnerability of Somali’s efforts to suppress the rebellion despite support from international partners. As the skirmish continues, details remain limited.
