The armed group Al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has taken control of the strategic town of Tardo in central Somalia’s Hiiraan region, after ousting government-allied clan militias known as Macawisley, according to Somali National Army Commander Mohammad Abdullah.

Tardo holds significant strategic value due to its position as a vital communications junction, potentially facilitating Al-Shabab’s push toward larger population centers. The group also seized the nearby town of Moqokori last week.

The militant advance has sparked a large-scale displacement, with regional lawmaker Dahar Amin reporting that at least 12,500 families have fled their homes amid fears of further territorial expansion.

Government troops and clan fighters are now mobilizing for a counteroffensive. Reinforcements have been deployed, although the Somali federal government has yet to issue an official response to the fall of Tardo.

Al-Shabab, active since 2007, aims to overthrow the central government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law. In recent months, it has expanded its territorial control across Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, intensifying pressure on Mogadishu and raising alarm about the country’s stability.

In response to the growing threat, Somalia has continued to rely on international military support. Over 20,000 foreign troops from Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, and Kenya are currently deployed under longstanding multinational missions.

Additionally, Türkiye has ramped up its presence, deploying 500 soldiers in April 2025 under a strategic partnership agreement that includes military training, energy cooperation, and infrastructure defense.

Türkiye has also taken command of the multinational Task Force 151, responsible for counter-piracy and maritime security in the Gulf of Aden. The Turkish-Somali alliance has further expanded with exploration efforts in Somali offshore oil and gas blocks.

As Al-Shabab pushes closer to the capital, analysts warn of a potential territorial collapse if Somalia fails to secure sustained international support.

The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with displaced families facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical care.

Would you like a visual map of Al-Shabab’s territorial advances or a profile of Türkiye’s strategic role in the region?

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