Al-Shabab fighters attack strategic town in central Somalia

The armed group al-Shabab claimed to have seized control of Adan Yabaal town in central Somalia on Wednesday morning after launching raids before dawn. However, the Somali army disputes this claim, stating that government troops successfully pushed back the attackers. Residents reported hearing a loud explosion and gunfire following early morning prayers. Adan Yabaal is strategically significant as it connects Hirshabelle state to Galmudug and was recaptured from al-Shabab in 2022. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the town in March.