Mogadishu, Somalia –  A heavily armed militant group has captured the central Somali town of Tardo, sparking a wave of displacement and raising fresh concerns over national security. The takeover, which occurred on Sunday, came after fighters loyal to the government and local community militias were forced to retreat.

Tardo, located at a key crossroads in the Hiraan region, serves as a vital link between major towns in central Somalia. Its fall is seen as a significant setback for national forces and may pave the way for further advances into more populated areas. Government officials confirmed that more than 12,500 families have fled from Tardo and nearby Muqokori in recent days as violence has escalated.

In response to the loss, the government has redeployed military units to support community militias in preparing a counterattack. Around 100 national army troops have reportedly been sent to reinforce the area and coordinate operations on the ground.

The seizure of Tardo comes amid a renewed wave of violence across central Somalia. In recent months, the armed group has targeted several military bases and key towns, including previous strikes on locations such as Gulane and Bal’ad. Although some of these areas were retaken, the offensive has intensified, showing the group’s growing capability.

Local militias, often made up of clan-based fighters, have been critical in resisting the group’s expansion. However, they face persistent challenges related to logistics, coordination, and equipment. Despite government support, these forces remain under pressure as the militants continue to press forward.

The ongoing conflict has triggered a worsening humanitarian crisis. Thousands of displaced families are now in urgent need of shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. Aid agencies have raised alarms over access difficulties, citing the risk of attacks and the general instability in the region.

With the town of Tardo now under militant control, the path toward more densely populated regions, including areas not far from the capital, has become increasingly vulnerable. Security analysts warn that unless government and allied forces regain lost territory quickly, further gains by the militants could deepen the crisis.

Authorities have vowed to reclaim the area and stabilize the region, but much will depend on the speed and effectiveness of the counteroffensive, as well as continued support from international partners.

The capture of Tardo marks one of the most significant developments in the conflict so far this year and highlights the fragile security landscape in central Somalia.