Tension is reportedly running high in the Hawadlay settlement, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bal’ad district in the Middle Shabelle province. This is due to intense fighting that recently took place in the nearby Jabad Godane settlement. According to reports, the Somali National Army (SNA) has successfully taken control of Jabad Godane, which is located between the Warsheikh district and Hawadlay. As a result, many Al-Shabab fighters who were driven out of Jabad Godane have now arrived in Hawadlay. It has been reported that the Gorgor and Danab Commandos of the Somali Military are currently stationed on the outskirts of Hawadlay, causing tension within the settlement. While it is unclear if Hawadlay will be the SNA’s next target, the presence of these troops has raised concerns among locals that clashes may erupt between the two sides. The biggest fear among residents is that they may become victims of air bombardment from drones, which have been flying over the settlement since yesterday afternoon. If the Somali troops do launch an attack on Hawadlay, it will relieve pressure from Jabad Godane and deter Al-Shabab’s intention to cut off the coastal route in the Warsheikh district, which connects Mogadishu to the Middle Shabelle region. It is likely that Al-Shabab fighters will fiercely defend Hawadlay, as it is located in a strategic area. The settlement is home to a bridge that crosses the Shabelle River, linking the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. Al-Shabab was able to easily take control of Hawadlay after Burundian troops, who had been stationed there for years, unexpectedly vacated the area. The repercussions of this unexpected withdrawal were that Al-Shabab was able to advance and attempt to cut off the coastal route between Mogadishu and central regions. However, the Somali military is determined to hold onto this vital coastal road, as it is crucial for supplying logistics to troops operating in Hirshabelle and Galmudug.
