President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s strategy against Al Shabaab has taken a new turn with a powerful grassroots uprising in Somalia’s Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions. Initially sparked by the need to reopen the main supply route between Matabaan and Beledweyne the campaign has evolved into a full scale push against the militant group. Local communities fed up with Al Shabaab’s extortion harsh rule and the devastation of drought have joined forces with Somali National Army troops and state security forces. In Hiiraan coalition forces have liberated over a dozen villages with operations targeting Al Shabaab strongholds such as Buq Aqable. Precision strikes by elite Danab commandos supported by US airpower have further weakened the group. Similar offensives are underway in Galgaduud Middle Shabelle Jubaland and Puntland.