MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Al-Shabaab militants have captured the key river-crossing town of Hawadley, just 50 kilometers north of Mogadishu, after African Union (AU) and allied Somali forces withdrew abruptly, citing severe flooding in the area.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the retreat, stating that rising waters forced the evacuation. A helicopter involved in the operation crashed near the town due to a mechanical failure, though all crew members were safely extracted to a nearby military base. Militants said they had shot down the aircraft.
Hawadley, held for years by Burundian peacekeepers, is a critical juncture, housing a vital bridge linking the two Shabelle regions, Mogadishu, and central Somalia. Its fall now threatens the security of Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle state, as well as Bal’ad and Mogadishu itself.
The militants’ takeover could enable them to transport heavy weaponry, explosives-laden vehicles, and reinforcements across southern and central regions, potentially reversing hard-won gains by Somali and AU forces in recent years.
While AUSSOM attributed the withdrawal to flooding, local reports suggest intelligence on impending militant attacks may have prompted the retreat to avoid casualties. For months, insurgent movements near Hawadley and Jowhar have been documented, raising suspicions of a tactical rather than purely environmental retreat.
The loss of Hawadley marks a significant setback for Somali forces, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab despite years of counterinsurgency efforts.
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