Fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab have captured the strategic town of Tardo in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region, forcing thousands of residents to flee amid escalating violence.
The town fell on Sunday after al-Shabab militants overran government-allied clan fighters, according to a Somali military official. Tardo is a crucial crossroads connecting larger urban centers, making its capture a significant gain for the insurgents.
A Somali lawmaker reported that at least 12,500 families have fled Tardo and the nearby town of Moqokori, which al-Shabab seized just last week. The group is now advancing further into the region, raising fears of continued displacement and instability.
In response, Somali authorities have deployed around 100 soldiers to bolster a counteroffensive led by local clan militias. However, the militants’ recent gains highlight the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, which has waged a brutal insurgency since 2007 in an attempt to overthrow Somalia’s Western-backed government.
The group seeks to impose its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Its offensive in the Hiiraan region has intensified since early this year, with previous advances bringing militants within 50 kilometers of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. While Somali forces managed to reclaim some lost territory, al-Shabab’s latest capture underscores its resilience and ability to regroup.
The ongoing clashes have exacerbated humanitarian concerns, with displaced families facing dire conditions. Aid organizations warn of a growing crisis as fighting disrupts supply routes and access to essential services.
As government troops and allied forces prepare to retake Tardo, residents remain caught in the crossfire of a prolonged conflict with no clear end in sight.
