
Friday July 11, 2025

Ali Jeyte Osman, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s special envoy for community militias, addresses residents in Maxaas, Hiiraan region, on July 10, 2025. Jeyte called for an immediate counteroffensive to retake the town of Moqokori after it was seized by Al-Shabaab earlier in the week.
Beledweyne (HOL) — Senior militia leader Ali Jeyte Osman has called for an urgent military response following the capture of Moqokori town by Al-Shabaab, warning that the loss of territory could have profound implications for local clans and regional stability.
Speaking during a public address in Mahaas on Wednesday, Jeyte, who serves as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s special envoy for community militia forces, urged residents to unify in preparation for a renewed offensive.
“Moqokori was not lost through strength, and we did not run,” he said. “But if we allow this land to remain in their hands, the name Xawaadle will fade from this region.”
Al-Shabaab militants seized control of Moqokori on Monday, marking a significant blow to recent government and community-led efforts to secure the Hiiraan region. Somali federal forces and allied Macawiisleey fighters had previously recaptured large swathes of territory during anti-insurgency operations.
Jeyte emphasized that defeating Al-Shabaab requires a unified front from the local population.
“If our hearts are not united, we cannot defeat this enemy,” he said. “This is not the time to be indifferent. We must stand together against the Khawarij.”
The term Khawarij, a historical reference to extremist rebels, is used by the Somali government to delegitimize Al-Shabaab’s religious justification for its insurgency.
Efforts are now reportedly underway in Mahaas to regroup and organize a counteroffensive aimed at retaking Moqokori and pushing militants out of other parts of Hiiraan.