Latest Developments: Fierce Clashes Erupt in Somalia’s Hiiraan Region 

Wednesday, June 5, 2025 – Intense fighting broke out yesterday in Ceel Hareeri, a locality in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, between the Hawadle Macawiisley militia and the militant group Al-Shabaab, according to local sources.  The clash reportedly began with a coordinated attack by Al-Shabaab, involving explosive-laden vehicles targeting a Macawiisley military outpost in the area. The assault triggered close-quarters combat that flared up twice throughout the day.

A senior commander from the Hawadle Macawiisley forces told local media that they had successfully repelled the attack, inflicting heavy losses on the militant group. Al-Shabaab launched two car bomb attacks. Their first vehicle was aimed at the local water well, but we managed to intercept it.

The second vehicle is still positioned on the outskirts of the area,” the commander reported.  He added that 21 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the confrontation, with their bodies still lying within the area.

 On the Macawiisley side, two soldiers were confirmed dead.  Earlier in the day, Al-Shabaab briefly gained control of Ceel Hareeri following the initial assault. However, updated reports indicate that by late afternoon, the Macawiisley militia launched a counteroffensive and successfully regained control of the area. Ceel Hareeri is administratively part of Moqokori district in Hiiraan.

Somali Freelancer. A Yusuf Mohamed