Mortar Attack Targets Hiilweyne Military Base Between Mogadishu and Balcad

Mogadishu, August 21, 2025 – A series of mortar shells struck the Hiilweyne military base on Wednesday night, located between Somalia’s capital Mogadishu and the district of Balcad in Middle Shabelle region, according to local residents.

The Hiilweyne base, which houses units of the Somali National Army (SNA), has long been considered one of the most strategic military installations in the area. The camp has frequently hosted high-level visits from senior government officials, underscoring its importance in the federal government’s ongoing campaign against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

Residents in surrounding villages reported hearing multiple explosions as the mortar rounds landed inside the base and in its vicinity. “We woke up to the sound of heavy shelling targeting the camp. The blasts were loud and frightening,” one eyewitness told Shabelle Media.

Although no official statement has been released, locals believe the attack was carried out by Al-Shabaab militants, who remain active in parts of Middle Shabelle. The group has previously launched similar long-range assaults on military and government positions in the region.

According to a resident who spoke to the media, most of the mortars appeared to have landed within the base itself, while others hit surrounding areas. However, he could not confirm whether there were casualties among the soldiers or civilians. “The impact was strong, but we still don’t know the exact damage or if lives were lost,” the witness said.

So far, both the Balcad district administration and Somali military officials have refrained from commenting on the incident. The silence has fueled speculation about the extent of the damage and whether government forces will respond with counter-operations in the coming days.

Rising Insecurity in Middle Shabelle

The attack highlights the persistent insecurity in the Middle Shabelle region, despite recent government offensives aimed at pushing Al-Shabaab out of key strongholds. Balcad, located just 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, has been a frequent target of insurgent activities due to its strategic position on the main road linking the capital with central Somalia.

Security experts note that mortar attacks are a common tactic used by Al-Shabaab to harass government troops without engaging in direct combat. Such assaults are often designed to demonstrate the group’s continued operational capacity, even in areas where they no longer hold significant ground.

Government’s Silence Raises Questions

The lack of immediate official communication has drawn concern among residents, who say transparency is necessary to maintain public trust. “People deserve to know whether their soldiers are safe and what measures are being taken to protect communities,” a civil society activist in Mogadishu told local media.

While the Somali government has repeatedly pledged to improve security and defeat Al-Shabaab, incidents like the Hiilweyne attack underline the challenges still facing the national army and its partners. The group continues to adapt its tactics, exploiting vulnerabilities in both urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

As of Thursday morning, the situation around Hiilweyne remains tense but calm. Security forces have reportedly increased patrols along the Mogadishu–Balcad corridor, although no large-scale military response has been confirmed.

The latest attack is a stark reminder of the fragility of security gains in Somalia. It also underscores the urgent need for stronger coordination between local communities, security forces, and political leaders to safeguard strategic installations such as Hiilweyne.