Heavy Fighting Erupts as Al-Shabaab Launches Attack on Federal Forces’ Base in Hiiraan

Al-Shabaab militants launched an early-morning assault on a military base operated by Somali federal government forces in Coomaad, a village in Matabaan district, western Hiiraan region, Hirshabelle State, triggering heavy fighting, according to local reports.

The attack reportedly involved intense clashes between Al-Shabaab fighters and government troops, backed by local Ma’awisley forces. The militants are said to have targeted the base in an attempt to seize control of the area, although the outcome of the fighting remains unclear.

Coomaad is considered strategically important because it lies along a key transport route connecting Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions, which are administered by Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, respectively. The presence of federal forces in the area is seen as significant for maintaining security and facilitating movement between the two regions.

The latest attack comes amid reports of increased Al-Shabaab movements in Hiiraan, where ongoing political tensions and a reported decline in joint military operations involving federal forces and local Ma’awisley fighters have raised concerns about the group’s renewed operational activity.

Casualty figures have not been confirmed, and it remains unclear which side currently controls the area. Hirshabelle State authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the attack.