Al-Shabaab seizes control of Mataban district in central Hiiraan region

Residents in Mataban district confirmed to the that Al-Shabaab fighters have taken over critical installations, including the administrative headquarters and district police station.

Al-Shabaab’s capture of Mataban came as they took control of the villages of Bergidiid, Jirale, Bacda. Mataban district administration or government officials have not publicly commented on the recent Al-Shabaab gains.

There have been military clashes between the federal government forces and Alshabab fighters in some parties of the central and southern Somalia in an effort the government described as a step forward to remove the group from their remaining areas.

But, Alshabab still remains effective and carries out military operations, explosives and assassinations of their target figures in the country.