By Spy Uganda
Mogadishu, Somalia — In a significant setback for Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign, the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab has captured the strategic town of Maxaas, reversing much of the progress made by government forces during the 2022–2023 military offensive.
Al-Shabaab announced on Sunday that it had seized Maxaas, a vital transport and logistics hub located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu. The town had previously been under Somali government control and was considered a linchpin in stabilizing central Somalia.
Officials in the Somali National Army (SNA) confirmed the fall of the town but described their withdrawal as a “tactical retreat.”
“Al-Shabaab launched a coordinated attack using car bombs and hundreds of heavily armed fighters early this morning,” said Mohamed Dahir, a senior army commander in the region. “Our forces, alongside local community militias, mounted a fierce resistance outside the town before withdrawing to pre-established defensive positions.”
The recapture of Maxaas comes amid a broader resurgence of Al-Shabaab, which has retaken dozens of towns and villages since early 2025. The group’s offensive has effectively rolled back nearly all of the territorial gains made by Somali forces and their allies over the past two years.
Maxaas was previously guarded by Ethiopian troops under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), until the base was officially handed over to the Somali National Army in August 2024. Since then, local militias have played a key role in holding the area with limited resources and manpower.
“After heavy clashes, the terrorists managed to enter Maxaas,” confirmed Ali Hayo, a local militia fighter, speaking from a nearby location. “There is still sporadic gunfire on the outskirts, and we are preparing for counteroffensives. This fight is not over.”
The loss of Maxaas highlights the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab and raises concerns about the government’s ability to hold liberated territories without sustained international and local support.
As of Sunday evening, gunfire could still be heard in areas surrounding the town, signaling ongoing hostilities and the likelihood of renewed conflict in the days ahead.
