Locals say that up to four new roadblocks have been set up by Al-Shabaab on the road between Afgoye and Wanla-Weyn and Leego in the Lower Shabelle region.

Travelers on this route have reported that Al-Shabaab militants are stopping vehicles and searching passengers. "Al-Shabaab men are on the roadblocks searching the cars and the passengers. Every passenger has to get down and be searched by Al-Shabaab,” said a person traveling between Afgoye and Wanla-Weyn.

This road is a crucial link between Mogadishu and the Southwest State capital, Baydhabo. The movement of goods along this route provides an opportunity for Al-Shabaab to levy taxes on traders. With the Hajj season underway, herders are transporting animals to markets, and Al-Shabaab continues to charge money for these animals, impacting both sellers and buyers.

Jowhar-Balcad road

Meanwhile, on the Jowhar-Balcad road, Al-Shabaab militants have intensified their activities in recent weeks. Civilians traveling this route have reported extortion by Al-Shabaab, with some drivers telling KAAB TV that the militants sometimes detain passengers they suspect.

Al-Shabaab has also been attacking military bases on the outskirts of Mogadishu, including in areas such as Dhanaane in the Jazeera area (Lower Shabelle), Basra near Afgoye, and Balcad town.

Their presence in the Mogadishu neighborhoods of Ceelasha Biyaha, Yaaqshiid, Kaxda, and Dayniile has raised significant concerns among local residents. In these neighborhoods, the militia group has been kidnapping individuals suspected of having government connections.

The resurgence of Al-Shabaab around Mogadishu has alarmed the local population. Security sources attribute this increase in activity to the cessation of operations by the Danab forces.

In April, the United States government suspended food rations and fuel supplies to the Danab army due to corruption, which reportedly demoralized the troops and halted their operations.

So far, there has been no response from the Somali government regarding Al-Shabaab’s increased activities on the roads outside Mogadishu.

- Kaabtv -