The militant group Al Shabaab has captured the town of Tardo in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region, dislodging government-allied Macwiisleey clan fighters and triggering the displacement of over 12,500 families, according to Somali military officials and local leaders.

Major Mohamed Abdullahi of the Somali National Army described Tardo as a “strategic junction linking several bigger towns,” warning that the insurgents are now advancing toward other key areas.

The fall of Tardo follows Al Shabaab’s recent capture of Moqokori, another vital town in the region. Both had served as logistics hubs for Somali forces and clan militias, playing a crucial role in defending nearby population centers.

Local elder Ali Hussein and clan fighter Ahmed Moallim confirmed the takeover, noting that control of the crossroads could facilitate Al Shabaab’s push toward larger towns such as Mahas, which has remained outside militant control for over a decade.

Somali forces and Macwiisleey fighters are reportedly mobilizing for a counter-offensive, with 100 soldiers deployed as reinforcements. However, no official response has been issued by the federal government or the Hiiraan regional administration.

Al Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency since 2007, seeks to overthrow Somalia’s internationally backed government and impose its strict interpretation of sharia law. Despite recent setbacks, including the loss of villages near Mogadishu, the group continues to demonstrate its ability to mount large-scale maneuvers.

Photos released by Al Shabaab show fighters inside Tardo and their black flag raised over key buildings, underscoring the symbolic and tactical significance of the capture.

The humanitarian impact is severe. Thousands of displaced families are now seeking refuge in surrounding areas, with aid agencies warning of limited access to food, water, and medical care.

Security analysts caution that the fall of Tardo may signal a renewed offensive aimed at destabilizing central Somalia and threatening supply routes to the capital.

IN THIS ARTICLE