On Wednesday, government forces and local militia reportedly left the Hawadley neighborhood in the Middle Shabelle region. This area, liberated from al-Shabab last year, is strategically significant and situated along the Shabelle River.
Meanwhile, al-Shabab has deployed militants on the outskirts of the village, aiming to capture this strategic neighborhood.
In recent hours, the militant group has initiated military activities in the villages of Shanlow, Dhagaxow, and Farbaraki, all located on the outskirts of the Hawadley area.
As a result, residents of Hawadley are fearful of an imminent clash between the militant group and government forces within the neighborhood.
