Al-Shabaab Captures Balcad, 30km from Somali Capital, During Ethiopian PM's Visit

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 28 February 2025 14:21

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Al-Shabaab Captures Balcad, 30km from Somali Capital, During Ethiopian PM's Visit

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The militant group Al-Shabaab launched a daring attack on Balcad, a town just 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, on Thursday.

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Al-Shabaab militants captured Balcad as the Ethiopian PM was visiting Mogadishu.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The militant group Al-Shabaab launched a daring attack on Balcad, a town just 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, on Thursday.

The group stormed a Somali military base, forcing government forces and local militias to retreat before briefly taking control of the town.

The timing of the attack appeared strategic, coinciding with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s visit to Mogadishu on Thursday where government forced imposed a total lock down on the capital city.

The Somali government has since claimed it recaptured Balcad, stating that its forces repelled the attack and inflicted heavy losses on the militants.

However, Al-Shabaab asserts that it killed 23 government soldiers and seized military vehicles left behind by retreating troops.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Al-Shabaab fighters patrolling the streets of Balcad, waving their black banners, while groups of young men followed them.

Fearing reprisals, many residents fled the town.

Al-Shabaab’s ongoing resurgence

The attack is part of Al-Shabaab’s ongoing resurgence in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions, where the group has escalated its operations in recent weeks.

PHOTO: The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was in Mogadishu for a several-hour visit, during which the capital was placed under total lockdown.

"The militants attacked Balcad, took over some parts, and later withdrew. Unfortunately, they remain dangerously close—just three kilometers away. The problem is that there has never been a serious effort to eliminate them,” MP Hassan Muudey said, expressing concern over the group’s growing influence.

Al-Shabaab has recently intensified its offensives, capturing several rural towns in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.

Last week, the group launched a surprise attack on the Aboorey area in Hiiraan, where Macawisley militia fighters from the Hawadle clan were stationed.

In addition, Al-Shabaab militants have seized several areas in Middle Shabelle, including El Ahmed and Al-Kowthar, forcing civilians to flee. Many of these towns were previously controlled by Somali forces and local clan militias. However, internal clan disputes have weakened their unity, leading to divisions within the army.