Al-Shabab Seizes Central Somali Town, Displaces 12,500 Families

Al-Shabab militants have captured the strategically important town of Tardo in Somalia's central Hiiran region, displacing over 12,500 families and escalating the ongoing insurgency. The town's location as a crossroads between major urban centers makes it a significant gain for the al-Qaeda-linked group, which has been fighting to topple Somalia's federal government and impose strict Sharia law since 2007. This offensive follows the recent capture of nearby towns like Moqokori and signals a broader advance deeper into the region. Somali forces have deployed around 100 soldiers to support local clan militias, known as Macwiisleey, in a counterattack effort to halt Al-Shabab's progress. Despite previous government successes in reclaiming villages near the capital Mogadishu, Al-Shabab's increasing activity highlights the persistent threat it poses, with humanitarian conditions worsening for displaced civilians amid disrupted aid access. The conflict underscores the fragile security situation in central Somalia as militants continue expanding their control.