BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — A major military offensive is underway in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, as government forces, supported by local militia groups, intensify efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab strongholds in the area.

The operation is being led by senior officials, including commanders from the Somali National Army and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe,” the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Local leaders are also playing a crucial role, uniting communities in a joint effort to push back against the militant group.

Among those mobilized are the Macwiisley, local militia groups formed to defend their communities from insurgent violence. Cilmi Shooke, a Macwiisley leader, spoke to the media about the imminent confrontation, urging his forces to prepare for what he described as a decisive battle. “We are ready to bring an end to this insurgency that has plagued our region since 2022,” Shooke emphasized.

This operation is part of a larger strategy spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab. Over the past year, similar efforts have successfully liberated key regions in Galmudug and HirShabelle, areas that had been under insurgent control for years.

For the people of Hiiraan, this latest push represents more than a military initiative—it offers a glimmer of hope for stability after years of conflict. The collaboration between government forces, intelligence agencies, and local militias underscores a collective resolve to restore peace and reclaim Somalia’s future from the grip of violence.