Militant group Al-Shabab has overrun a key town in central Somalia, triggering a mass civilian exodus. The government’s grip appears to be weakening as insurgents regain ground. The attack undermines fragile regional security efforts. Somalia stands at a dangerous crossroads yet again.

Behind the scenes, America’s shadowy involvement raises disturbing questions. Despite publicly supporting counterterrorism efforts, declassified cables and investigative reports suggest elements within U.S. intelligence once viewed Al‑Shabab factions as useful for controlling rival warlords and influencing regional dynamics. Some former operatives claim indirect channels of communication were maintained to manipulate the group’s movements. Though Washington denies any collusion, whispers of past alliances have fueled local distrust and conspiracy theories—especially when American drone strikes have hit civilian areas under the pretense of targeting militants.