Al-Shabaab has intensified its offensive in Hirshabelle State, dealing a significant blow to the security gains made in recent years. On Thursday, the militant group staged a direct attack on Balcad, a strategic district located just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, in a brazen show of force.
The attack occurred as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was visiting the Somali capital, underscoring the persistent security challenges facing the country. The timing of the assault raises concerns over the Somali government’s ability to safeguard key areas, especially as regional partnerships and counterterrorism efforts are being reassessed.
During the raid, Al-Shabaab fighters stormed the district’s central prison, freeing detainees and further undermining state authority. A video captured by witnesses showed militants moving through the town’s streets, met by onlookers who watched the unfolding events with a mix of shock and concern. Some locals were seen cheering, an indication of either fear-driven compliance or lingering sympathies in contested areas.
Security analysts argue that the attack represents a strategic setback, not only in terms of territorial control but also in the psychological battle against terrorism. The ability of Al-Shabaab to mount such an operation so close to Mogadishu, especially during the visit of a key regional leader, highlights vulnerabilities in Somalia’s security apparatus.
The resurgence of Al-Shabaab in Hirshabelle State raises critical questions about the sustainability of counterterrorism efforts and the stability of areas previously deemed secure. While Somali forces, supported by regional allies, have made significant advances against the group, incidents like these demonstrate the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab’s adaptive and insurgent tactics.
As security officials assess the damage and prepare countermeasures, the Balcad attack serves as a stark reminder that Al-Shabaab remains a formidable force capable of exploiting gaps in Somalia’s security landscape. The group’s ability to strike near the capital, at a time when high-level diplomatic engagements are underway, sends a troubling signal about the fragility of recent security gains.