Heavy fighting today in Hiiraan region

Matabaan (Caasimada Online) – Reports from the west of Hiiraan region indicate that members of Al-Shabaab launched an attack this morning on a base where federal forces are located in the Coomaad area of Matabaan district.

Following the attack, a fierce battle occurred between Al-Shabaab and the government forces alongside local troops, as the attacking group aimed to take control of the area.

Coomaad is an important area for the movement of vehicles between the Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions, which fall under the administrations of HirShabeelle and Galmudug, and the government forces' base plays a role in the security of both regions.

This attack comes at a time when Al-Shabaab is conducting military activities in parts of Hiiraan region, with some reports linking this situation to the ongoing political conflict and the decline of federal operations that were supported by the Macawiisley militia.

The security significance of Coomaad makes it a location both sides view as strategic, as it is situated in land connecting areas of Hiiraan and Galgaduud.

So far, the casualties resulting from the battle have not been officially confirmed, and it is also unclear who is in control of the Coomaad area after the fighting.

The HirShabeelle administration has not yet officially commented on the attack and the situation in the area, as the administration is currently facing political pressures in the city of Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region.

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