The Islamists led by Ahmed Madoobe and Hassan Turki have successfully captured the city after intense fighting.

[5] Pro government militias, led by warlord-turned-parliamentarian Barre Hiiraale, suffered heavy losses, and Hirale's personal car was reportedly seized by Islamist fighters.

After the withdrawal of Hiiraale's fighters, Al-Shabaab commenced a peaceful disarmament process targeting local armed groups that had been contributing to insecurity in Kismayo.

[8] The legitimacy of the administration was later disputed, however, as the ICU and elders from local clans alleged that Al-Shabaab had not consulted them adequately.

[9] On 28 September 2012, Kenya Army troops and Raskamboni movement militia re-captured the city from the Al-Shabaab insurgents during the Battle of Kismayo (2012).