Reports from the Mudug region indicate that Al-Shabaab fighters have cut off the road connecting the towns of Hobyo and Harardhere—a vital route for the movement of people and vehicles between the coastal areas and the interior of the region.
According to Somali government officials, this action took place in the areas between the two towns, as Al-Shabaab attempts to disrupt the movement of government forces and civilians.
Both Hobyo and Harardhere are located in the Mudug region and are administered by Galmudug. The areas surrounding these towns have recently been the scene of military activity and clashes involving Al-Shabaab, government forces, and local troops.
This move could impact residents of the villages and settlements along the road, particularly those who rely on ground transport to travel between Hobyo and Harardhere. It may also hinder the delivery of services and goods between these areas.
Harardhere is a key coastal town located in southern Mudug. The Somali government and local forces recaptured the town from Al-Shabaab in January 2023 during a military offensive against the group. However, subsequent security reports indicated that the surrounding rural areas and roads near the town remained sites of Al-Shabaab activity.
A report issued by the EUAA in June 2026 also stated that southern Mudug remains an area where clashes and operations against Al-Shabaab take place. The report noted that Al-Shabaab was involved in security incidents in Harardhere and Hobyo, while the situation in parts of the region’s rural areas is mixed, with various groups exerting influence.
These new developments coincide with reports from early September 2026 regarding Al-Shabaab activity on the outskirts of Harardhere. Fighters belonging to the group were sighted in the rural areas between Harardhere, Hobyo, and Eldher, although the number of fighters and their specific locations could not be independently verified.
Additionally, a report published on September 6 indicated Al-Shabaab military movements in areas near Harardhere, specifically in the territory between Farah Adan, Dabagalo, and Dumaye. The report noted that forces stationed in Harardhere had increased their vigilance and patrols, though it was not confirmed whether these movements signaled preparations for an attack.
Roads connecting towns and districts in central Somalia have long been sites where armed groups target vehicles and security forces. The EUAA has stated that Al-Shabaab possesses the capability to disrupt key routes and the flow of traffic across many parts of Somalia, particularly in areas where the group establishes checkpoints or carries out attacks. The condition of the road between Hobyo and Xarardheere is also critical from a humanitarian perspective. Road accessibility impacts the delivery of food, water, healthcare, and other essential services. The EUAA has previously documented that access to humanitarian aid in parts of Xarardheere and southern Hobyo has been hampered by insecurity, conflict, and other restrictions.
