Wednesday August 30, 2023
DHUSAMAREB, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, after a month in
Dhusamareb, has turned his gaze toward the strategic city of Maxaas in the
Hiiraan region. This strategic move signals Somalia’s renewed determination to
combat Al-Shabaab.
Sources from the HOL network indicate Mohamud's alignment with Ali Jeyte
Osman, the leader of the newly established Hiiraan State. With Osman's
recognized history against Shabaab, this collaboration marks a noteworthy shift
in Somalia’s anti-terror strategies.
Furthermore, Mohamud conferred with the influential Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan
of the Xawaadle clan, consolidating political ties and shared objectives.
According to two Somali government officials who prefer to remain anonymous
due to restrictions on discussing sensitive military operations, government
troops retreated from El Dheer, Masagaway, Gal'ad, and Budbud.
The retreat followed what appears to be one of the deadliest attacks by
al-Shabab on Somali government forces Saturday in Cowsweyne, where troops had
initially dislodged al-Shabab on Aug. 22.
Maxaas, under this strategy, emerges as the linchpin in operations against
Al-Shabaab. This shift draws support from regional leaders, particularly
following the recent leadership transitions in the Hiiraan region.
Mohamud’s focus on Maxaas also highlights past operational challenges in
Galgaduud’s eastern front. Acknowledging these, Mohamud emphasizes the
necessity for strategic refinement and accountability.