MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Al-Shabaab militants have captured the important thing river-crossing city of Hawadley, simply 50 kilometers north of Mogadishu, after African Union (AU) and allied Somali forces withdrew abruptly, citing extreme flooding within the space.
The African Union Assist and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the retreat, stating that rising waters pressured the evacuation. A helicopter concerned within the operation crashed close to the city as a result of a mechanical failure, although all crew members had been safely extracted to a close-by army base. Militants stated that they had shot down the plane.
Hawadley, held for years by Burundian peacekeepers, is a important juncture, housing an important bridge linking the 2 Shabelle areas, Mogadishu, and central Somalia. Its fall now threatens the safety of Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle state, in addition to Bal’advert and Mogadishu itself.
The militants’ takeover might allow them to move heavy weaponry, explosives-laden automobiles, and reinforcements throughout southern and central areas, doubtlessly reversing hard-won good points by Somali and AU forces lately.
Whereas AUSSOM attributed the withdrawal to flooding, native reviews counsel intelligence on impending militant assaults could have prompted the retreat to keep away from casualties. For months, rebel actions close to Hawadley and Jowhar have been documented, elevating suspicions of a tactical somewhat than purely environmental retreat.
The lack of Hawadley marks a major setback for Somali forces, underscoring the persistent risk posed by Al-Shabaab regardless of years of counterinsurgency efforts.
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