Somali Forces based in Harardhere district were put on a high alert due to fears that Al-Shabaab insurgents may launch attacks on the district.
Last week, Al-Shabaab insurgents deployed additional new fighters in settlements under the jurisdiction of Harardhere and stepped up their movements in these areas.
Federal Forces, Galmudug regional security forces, along with local defense forces –who were mobilized in counter terrorism operations were also put on a high alert in order to prevent and foil attacks that Al-Shabaab insurgents may launch on these settlements.
Reports indicate that units of Gorgor commandos and Somali forces, particularly 24th brigade and the 21st Division of the Somali National Army—have established defense positions on the outskirts of Harardhere.
Harardhere is a strategic town that is located on the coast of Mudug region, and could face a road blockade considering that Al-Shabaab insurgents have been spotted on roads connecting the districts of Hobyo and El-Dheer in the Mudug and Galguduud regions.
There is a possibility that Al-Shabaab insurgents may attempt to retake the coastal town of Harardhere which the Somali forces removed Al-Shabaab fighters on January, 16, 2023.
In September of last year, 2025, Al-Shabaab insurgents exerted similar pressure on Harardhere— though they did not launch attacks there—while targeting the district of El-dheer in the middle of that month with an assault that began with explosions.
For more than ten years, Harardheere served as Al-Shabaab’s headquarters in Central regions and their primary source of revenue within Galmudug territories.
Harardhere was also the only district in the Mudug region under Al-Shabaab’s control.
