The terrorist group Al-Shabaab has operated in the district in recent years.

On 4 November 2011, some of its members kidnapped ten district clan elders.

[2] On 6 January 2012, Voice of America reported that the Somali media had stated that government troops, backed by Kenyan forces, were advancing into the area, while "al-Shabab" had withdrawn from the district.

[3] In March 2014, it was reported that heavy fighting had broken out and that government forces, this time aided by Ethiopian soldiers, had forced Al-Shabaab to vacate the district.

[6] On 30 January 2015, Hassan Mohamed Ali confirmed that his deputy had been shot and killed by government troops.