Maxaas (Dawan Africa) – Al-Shabaab militants have taken control of Maxaas, a strategic town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia, following a surprise early morning assault on Sunday. Local residents confirmed to Dawan Africa that the town fell after intense clashes, in what marks a major setback for Macawisley self-defense forces and government-aligned troops that had maintained a presence in the area.
Maxaas has served as a critical operational hub for Somali federal forces and allied local militias. For over 12 years, it had remained under government and community protection. Its capture represents a major strategic and symbolic gain for Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.
This development follows closely on the heels of another major loss: the recent fall of Moqokori, another key town in Hiiraan that had similarly been under Macawisley protection. Both towns hold strategic value due to their location and role in resisting militant advances in central Somalia.
Al-Shabaab claimed full control of Maxaas through its media outlets.
The Federal Government of Somalia had not issued an official statement regarding the reported fall of Maxaas. However, earlier in the day, state media reported that Somali and Macawisley forces had successfully repelled a separate attack on the nearby village of Birta, located on the border between Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions.
The capture of Maxaas raises serious concerns about the sustainability of recent territorial gains made under the federal government’s ongoing military campaign against Al-Shabaab. The loss of two significant towns in quick succession may signal renewed momentum by the insurgents and mounting pressure on overstretched local defense units.
No independent verification has been made regarding the number of casualties or the extent of Al-Shabaab's control. The situation on the ground remains fluid.
