Mogadishu (WDN)— Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has issued a blistering statement following Al-Shabaab’s takeover of the central town of Maxaas, accusing the federal government of gross negligence and strategic failure.

The extremist group seized control of Maxaas in the Hiiraan region earlier today after fierce clashes with local self-organized militia known as Macawiisley, primarily drawn from the Hawadle clan. The town had remained under government control for over a decade.

In a statement posted on his official channels, Khaire expressed condolences to the families of the slain fighters and criticized the government’s inaction in supporting local forces battling the militants.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the Hawadle Macawiisley heroes who were martyred in today’s battle, to the people of Hiiraan, and to the Somali nation. May Allah grant paradise to the fallen and quick recovery to the wounded,” he wrote.

Calling the loss of Maxaas a “national disgrace,” Khaire said the government had effectively abandoned its duty by failing to reinforce the town or provide meaningful support to the local resistance.

“It is a failure of duty, a lack of responsibility, and a sign of poor strategic leadership that Al-Shabaab was able to capture Maxaas, a town that had been in government hands for 12 years,” Khaire said. “The federal government merely watched while the Macawiisley were left to face the militants alone.”

He commended the bravery of the Macawiisley fighters, describing their sacrifice as an example of grassroots resilience in the face of organized terror.

“I salute the courage of the Macawiisley from the Hawadle clan who gave their lives to protect their people and territory,” Khaire stated.

Khaire concluded by calling on the Federal Government, the Hirshabelle State leadership, and Somali society at large to urgently unite in the fight against Al-Shabaab, warning that inaction would only embolden the group’s expansion.

The fall of Maxaas marks a major setback for Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign and highlights the growing pressure on local defense forces in the absence of sustained federal military support.

WardheerNews