Mogadishu, Somalia, June 2, 2025 – The Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for capturing Xawaadley village in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, approximately 50 kilometers north of Mogadishu, following a strategic withdrawal by African Union (AU) Burundian forces and local Somali troops.
In a statement posted on their website, the militants also alleged they shot down an AU helicopter near the village, a claim that remains unverified by the African Union Mission to Somalia (AUSSOM) as of 7:18 PM EAT.
The takeover, facilitated by deliberate flooding of the AU base, marks a significant escalation in Al-Shabaab’s ongoing campaign to undermine Somalia’s fragile security apparatus.
Flooding Tactics and Strategic Victory
According to Al-Shabaab’s statement, the militants executed a calculated operation over three days, manipulating the Shabelle River’s flow to flood the AU-Burundian base in Xawaadley.
The village, a critical river-crossing point with a bridge connecting Mogadishu to Jowhar and Galmudug State, was abandoned by AU and Somali forces as floodwaters rendered the base untenable.
Sources described the flooding as a “devastating” tactic, with one user noting that the base was “submerged, forcing troops to flee without heavy equipment.”
The loss of Xawaadley, a key logistical hub, could disrupt supply lines and civilian movement along one of Somalia’s vital trunk roads.
Al-Shabaab’s use of environmental manipulation highlights their evolving tactics. By exploiting the region’s riverine geography, the group not only displaced AU forces but also showcased their ability to combine guerrilla warfare with unconventional strategies.
Analysts suggest this approach may signal a shift toward more sophisticated operations as Al-Shabaab seeks to capitalize on Somalia’s overstretched security forces.
Helicopter Downing Claim Raises Stakes
In addition to the village’s capture, Al-Shabaab claimed to have shot down an AU helicopter during the evacuation of Xawaadley.
The group’s website described the incident as a “major blow” to AUSSOM, alleging the helicopter was targeted by anti-aircraft fire as it attempted to extract personnel.
No details on casualties or the helicopter’s origin were provided, and AUSSOM has yet to issue a statement confirming or denying the claim.
It is alleged that the helicopter, if downed, could belong to the Kenyan or Ugandan contingents, which frequently provide air support to AU operations in Somalia.
If verified, the helicopter incident would mark a rare success for Al-Shabaab against AU air assets, potentially complicating future aerial operations in the region.
The group has previously targeted aircraft, including a 2023 attack on a civilian plane in Mogadishu, but claims of downing military helicopters are less common and harder to substantiate.
Strategic Implications for Somalia
Xawaadley’s fall is a significant setback for Somalia’s Federal Government and its AU partners. Located in Hirshabelle State, the village’s proximity to Jowhar, the state capital, places Al-Shabaab within striking distance of key government strongholds.
The group’s recent offensives, including a failed but high-profile assault on a military base in Wargaadhi town in April 2025, indicate a renewed push to encircle Mogadishu and disrupt governance in the surrounding regions.
Xawaadley’s bridge, a chokepoint for regional connectivity, could enable Al-Shabaab to impose checkpoints, extort civilians, and restrict military movements.
The loss of Xawaadley also underscores the challenges facing AUSSOM as it transitions to a new mandate.
The UN Security Council approved a new AU-led mission in late 2024, set to replace AUSSOM in January 2026, but Burundi’s decision to opt out of the new force, as reported by a Burundian military source, may weaken the coalition.
Burundi has been a key contributor to AU operations, and its withdrawal could strain resources in Middle Shabelle, a longtime Al-Shabaab stronghold.
Somalia’s Shifting Security Landscape
Somalia’s government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has increasingly leaned on Turkish military support, including drones and training, to counter Al-Shabaab amid a reduced U.S. presence.
Recent U.S. airstrikes have targeted militant positions, but their frequency has declined since 2023, leaving AU and Somali forces to bear the brunt of counterinsurgency efforts.
There is growing frustration among locals, with one user stating, “Mogadishu is being squeezed. Al-Shabaab is closer than ever, and AU troops can’t hold ground without air cover.”
Al-Shabaab’s propaganda machine has seized on the Xawaadley victory, framing it as evidence of their resilience against foreign “occupiers.” The group’s website boasted of “liberating” the village and vowed to continue targeting AU and Somali forces.
However, analysts caution that Al-Shabaab’s control of Xawaadley may be temporary, as Somali National Army (SNA) units, backed by AU reinforcements, are reportedly mobilizing to retake the area.
Unverified Claims
The absence of an official response from AUSSOM or Somali authorities leaves critical details unclear. The helicopter claim, in particular, requires independent verification, as Al-Shabaab has a history of exaggerating battlefield successes.
The flooding of the AU base, while plausible given the Shabelle River’s seasonal volatility, also lacks corroboration from non-militant sources.
Somali government officials have remained silent on Xawaadley’s status, possibly to avoid amplifying Al-Shabaab’s narrative.
International partners, including the UN and Turkey, are likely to press for a swift counteroffensive. The SNA’s 21st Division, based in Jowhar, could lead efforts to reclaim Xawaadley, but logistical challenges and Al-Shabaab’s entrenched presence in Middle Shabelle may delay progress.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns are mounting, with reports suggesting that flooding has displaced dozens of families in Xawaadley, exacerbating Somalia’s already dire displacement crisis.
Al-Shabaab’s capture of Xawaadley village and their unverified claim of downing an AU helicopter underscore the persistent threat posed by the militant group.
The innovative use of flooding as a weapon, combined with their territorial ambitions, signals a dangerous phase in Somalia’s long-running conflict.
As AUSSOM and Somali forces regroup, the international community awaits clarity on the helicopter incident and the extent of Al-Shabaab’s gains.