Somali armed forces chief meets US military officials, discusses counter-terrorism operations.

Somali Armed Forces Commander Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin held a meeting with U.S. military officials in Mogadishu.

The meeting focused on ongoing military operations against terrorist groups and enhanced cooperation between the Somali and US armed forces.

During the meeting, Major General Muhyiddin called on US special forces to actively participate in operations aimed at eliminating the threat posed by al-Shabaab militants.

According to state media, U.S. officials have confirmed that the United States continues to provide support to the Somali armed forces.

Allied forces carry out large-scale and intensive operation in Hiran province.

Somali special forces known as "Gorgor" and allied clan militias have carried out intensive military operations against al-Shabaab in several areas of Somalia's central Hiran region in the past few hours.

These joint forces conducted operations in Hilweyn, Caag Bashir, Biya Madobe and Beera Yabal areas, all of which are areas of Bulaburte district.

Most of the areas where the army carried out the operations are on the banks of the Shabelle River, where Al-shabab is organizing their attacks in the towns of Bulaburte and Halgan.

The commander of the 8th Association of the 18th Battalion of the Gor Gor Army, who led the operations, said that the allied forces attacked the hiding places of the group and destroyed their posts.

He also told the commander that such operations to prevent Al-Shabaab attacks will continue as long as they eliminate Al-Shabaab group members in Hiran region.

 

 

Gunmen assassinate former regional lawmaker in Mogadishu.

Gunmen yesterday assassinated former South West State parliament member Ali Omar Ghab in Mogadishu's Shebs district.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen who carried out the crime managed to flee the scene before security forces arrived.

al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assassination, saying Gap was a former member of parliament in the southwestern state.

Neither the authorities of the southwest state nor the federal government have commented on the assassination of the former regional lawmaker so far.

Al-Shabaab member and his two children killed in Mogadishu explosion.

Somali police confirmed the death of an al-Shabaab member and his two children when an improvised explosive device he was making exploded at his home near Mogadishu on Saturday evening.

According to police spokesman Abdifatah Adam Hassan, the incident, which took place in the Ilshabiha district on the outskirts of Mogadishu, killed the man and his two children and seriously injured his wife.

The speaker called on the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals who may pose a threat to public safety.

 

Somali government admits corruption in food supplies allocated to US-backed DNB forces.

The Somali government has acknowledged that food rations for the US-trained and supported DNB forces have been diverted.

The government said in a statement that it had conducted an investigation that led to the arrest and detention of officers, but the number and identity of the officers arrested and detained was not disclosed.

"Over the past few years, the Somali National Armed Forces have strengthened accountability measures in line with their reform agenda," the statement said.

The Somali government did not say when the diversion took place and the type of food rations transferred, but said it had "notified stakeholders of the incident and will share the results of these investigations in due course".

This comes in response to a decision by the United States to stop food it used to provide to special forces known as "Danab" after the disclosure of corruption, which Washington informed the Somali Ministry of Defense and the Somali Army Command.

Al-Shabaab attack thwarted by government forces in Hawadley, Middle Shabelle.

Al-Shabaab attack thwarted by government forces in Hawadley, Middle Shabelle.

Government forces in the Middle Shabelle region's Hawadley area have thwarted a significant attack by Al-Shabaab militants, according to officials. This latest assault, characterized by mine explosions followed by intense combat, marks the third attempt by Al-Shabaab to recapture the strategically important location.

Ali Abdullahi Ali, a government forces official, reported from Hawadley that the army repelled the militants and is currently pursuing the attackers. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, local sources indicate that there were casualties on both sides.

The attack involved Al-Shabaab, targeting both government and ATMIS positions. The details about the casualties and the operational response are still emerging as the situation develops.

 

Al-Shabaab house bombing in Central African Republic.

Al-Shabaab house bombing in Central African Republic.

The Somali Armed Forces and the international partners have been carrying out air strikes in recent hours on areas belonging to the Shabelle and Mudug regions.

The first bombing in the Ruunirgood area of the central Shabelle region was reported to have targeted a house where Al-Shabaab officials were gathering, but the casualties were not announced.

"Warplanes carried out heavy airstrikes in Ruunirgood District in the state of Sh/dhehe, and a house where senior members of the AS were gathering was destroyed," said a written statement from the government.

Warplanes also targeted a checkpoint in Ruunirgood, where the group used to collect money from vehicles using the road, killing several dozen Al-Shabaab members.

"The bombing targeted checkpoints where the civilians were lost in civilian vehicles, and the initial losses of the government vehicles were caused by several dozen militias and their vehicles were destroyed there," the statement from the government said.

On the other hand, the warplanes also carried out heavy shelling and destroyed four centers of the group that were being reduced to the guerrillas in the village of Awfo in Mudug region.

A statement issued by the government said that a house and garage were also destroyed in the shelling of a house and garage where the group was preparing explosive devices to harm Somali citizens.

These attacks are coming, while the Shabaab group is still carrying out explosions and direct attacks in areas and municipalities in Mudug and Central Shabelle regions.

 

 Somalia, Kenya discuss full cooperation in fight against al-Shabaab.

Somali National Army Commander Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin, who is currently in Kenya, visited the Ministry of Defence and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) headquarters.

Commander Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin visited the Kenyan Ministry of Defence and Army headquarters, accompanied by the Somali Ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdullahi and Somali army officers.

Kenyan Defence Minister Adam Barre Daali received the delegation of the Somali National Army commander at Kenya's Ministry of Defence and discussed full cooperation in the fight against al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab poses a threat to the security of both Somalia and Kenya, and has carried out deadly attacks in both countries over the past years that have killed many citizens of both countries.

Somalia sends nearly 100 police officers abroad.

Somalia sends nearly 100 police officers abroad.

The Somali Police Force Command has bid farewell to nearly 100 Somali Police Force officers, who are set to receive advanced certification training in countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.

The Chief of Planning and Training of the Police Force, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed, said that the Somali government is sending 84 officers to China, Serbia and Egypt, saying that it is the largest number of police forces sent abroad.

"We are sending 20 of the officers to China, 25 of them to Serbia, while we are sending 24 officers and 15 military trainers to Egypt who are receiving training in forensics and administration." Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed said.

He said that now 101 soldiers are now abroad for training.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Somali Police Force Commander Brigadier General Slop Ahmed Farran stressed the importance of the training, calling on officers to take advantage of the training courses.

 

50 al-Shabaab fighters killed in southern Somalia.

50 al-Shabaab fighters killed in southern Somalia.

Reports from the Lower Juba region of Somalia's southernmost state of Jubaland indicate that 50 al-Shabaab fighters have been killed in ongoing operations in the region.p

The operations, in which the special forces "Danab" and the Dervish forces of the state of Joeland participated, targeted caves where fighters were hiding during operations in villages on the banks of the Juba River in the town of Jamami, the reports added.

The operations also resulted in dozens of militants being injured, several arrested and forces successfully neutralized landmines laid by al-Shabaab.

In these operations, which lasted the past few days, government forces killed important terrorist leaders, including Anna Noug, Sheikh Nur and another named Sheikh Hussein. They were all killed and were responsible for harassing the Somali people.

 

30 al-Shabaab militants killed by Somali federal forces in Juba operation.

Somalia's federal forces, including the Danab Commandos, 162nd Union, and Jubbaland Security Forces, executed a strategic operation in the Jamame district, effectively targeting the Al-Shabaab group.

The operation was conducted across several locations on the banks of the Jubba River, specifically in Jiimay, Bangeeni, and Bandar Jadid, all within the Jamame district in the Lower Jubba region.

According to a federal government statement, the operation resulted in the deaths of more than 30 members of Al-Shabaab, including key leaders and militia members.

"The Kharijites suffered significant casualties, with over 30 leaders and militants killed. We also captured several wounded individuals," the government statement reported.

Officials leading the operation indicated that the forces will persist with similar missions targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Jubba regions.

9 Al-Shabaab elements killed in military operation in southern Somalia.

The Somali army announced the killing of nine members of Al-Shabaab movement linked to Al-Qaeda, in cooperation with local forces in Southwest State on Thursday.

Somali army said that the military operation took place in the village of Taflow, 28 km south of the city of Baardheere in Bay Province, southern Somalia, the Somali national news agency (SONNA) reported.

During the military operation, seven Kalashnikov rifles, a machine gun, and ammunition boxes were confiscated.

The Somali army has intensified military operations in recent days against Al-Shabaab movement, and for over a decade now, they have been waging battles against the movement, and have successfully recaptured several areas from them.

 

Somali forces kill nine Al-Shabaab militants in Bay region operation.

Somali forces kill nine Al-Shabaab militants in Bay region operation.

Somali Federal Government forces, assisted by local residents, struck an Al-Shabaab stronghold during a pre-dawn operation in the Bardale district of the Bay region.

The targeted raid occurred in Taflow, a village approximately 28 kilometres south of Bardale, where militants had set up a base.

A government statement reported that the operation resulted in the deaths of nine Al-Shabaab members. Forces engaged using a variety of weapons.

"During the operation, the army and regional security forces recovered seven AK-47 rifles, one BKM machine gun, and multiple ammunition boxes. Nine militants were also killed," the statement read.

Recent reports indicate that the joint forces have now secured control over Taflow village, previously a hub for Al-Shabaab's planning and execution of attacks in the region.

Operations against Al-Shabaab are routinely conducted by Somali forces and local communities in the Bay and Bakool regions to disrupt the militant group's activities.

 

Al-Shabaab's largest crowd in Mogadishu.

News from the outskirts of Mogadishu city says that in recent days Al-Shabaab forces have overwhelmed the Balad district area, which is about 35 kilometers from the capital of the country.

Qasim Furdug, the chairman of the administration of the district in the Central Shabelle region, confirmed that Al-Shabaab has reached the balad region.

Qasim Furdug noted that now Al-Shabaab militias are gathering in the areas under the district and they need to be prevented, He also added that the members who came to the area came from the Lower Shabelle side and they want to spread themselves to parts of HirShabelle.

The governor of Balad district said that the members of Al-Shabaab who arrived in Mogadishu, especially Balad, are well equipped and are using drones, He also sent a strong message to the Somali government, asking it to speed up operations to prevent the movement of the group from the government.

The situation is now very tense, and the residents of Balad district are facing fears, as new tensions have escalated.

It was only last week that Al-Shabaab militia carried out a direct attack with explosives inside Balad district in the Central Shabelle region, but they were reposed and fought against the Somali National Army.

 

Graduation of a new batch of Somali special forces known as "Danab".

Graduation of a new batch of Somali special forces known as "Danab"

A new batch of Somali special forces known as DNB has graduated from Colonel Hassan Tora's military training school, formerly known as the Ble Dogle base in the Lower Shabelle region adjacent to the capital Mogadishu.

The United States has been training the Somali army's Danab Brigade for years as part of the strong partnership between Mogadishu and Washington in combating terrorism and enhancing regional security.

The highly trained Danab Brigade with advanced counterterrorism skills has played a crucial role in the fight against the ongoing al-Shabaab movement in the country.

The successful completion of the training program is a testament to the United States' commitment to supporting Somalia's efforts to eradicate terrorism and promote peace and stability in the region.

 

Five al-Shabab militants killed in heavy fighting in Hiiraan region.

Five al-Shabab militants killed in heavy fighting in Hiiraan region.

News from Hiran state says that late yesterday, local forces of the Maawiisleyda and members of Al-Shabaab who were gathering in Buloburde area clashed.

Local forces who received information about Al-Shabaab movements attacked an Al-Shabaab gathering place in Wareertire area between Buuloburde district and Halgan area of Hiran region.

After the attack, there was a battle that took almost two hours in a row, in which various kinds of weapons were used.

At least five al-Shabab militants were killed in heavy fighting between Somali army forces, supported by local forces, and the militants on the road between Bulaburte and Halgan districts in the Hiiraan region on Sunday.

Military officials told HOL that the clash took place in the mountain named Wareertire after the group members gathered in the area to attack local clan militia forces. The fighting lasted for almost two hours, officials added.

 

Somali government says at least 27 al-Shabaab militants have been killed in south

At least 27 al-Shabaab militants were killed in a failed attack in the Bar Sangoni district near the town of Jamami in the southern Lower Juba region, the federal government said on Friday.

Somalia's Information Ministry said in a statement that government forces had received intelligence that thwarted the attack, adding that a number of al-Shabaab members were captured alive during the operation.

The ministry further noted that federal forces, with the support of Jubaland State forces and international partners, carried out the operation without mentioning any casualties in their ranks.

It should be noted that since Thursday, photos taken by the militants have been posted on social media, showing dead and wounded among them as well as others captured while alive.

U.S. extends state of emergency for Somalia for one year.

The United States has extended the national emergency it declared in 2010 for another year regarding the situation regarding Somalia, which remains an extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

The White House statement justified the decision by citing the deteriorating security situation and continued violence, as well as acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia.

The statement added that the national emergency declared on April 12, 2010 and the measures taken on that date and on July 20, 2012 to address this threat will remain in force beyond April 12, 2024.

The announcement comes after the US embassy in Nairobi on Monday issued security warnings to its citizens living in the capital Mogadishu, saying it had received terrorist threats to target several locations in the city.

 

US warns of possible attacks on multiple locations in Mogadishu.

US warns of possible attacks on multiple locations in Mogadishu.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi says it has received information about threats to multiple locations in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

One of the locations identified as a possible target for the threat is the city’s main airport, the Aden Adde International Airport, which also serves as a base for the African Union mission in Somalia and multiple embassies, including the United States and other Western countries. 

“All movements of U.S. Embassy personnel have been canceled.

“All movements of U.S. Embassy personnel have been canceled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024,” the security alert said. The alert added, “The U.S. Department of State level-four travel advisory (“do not travel”) for Somalia remains in effect due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”

U.S. citizens have been urged to take several measures including reviewing their personal security plans and avoiding large crowds, gatherings and demonstrations, among other steps, to ensure their safety.

al-Shabab militant group carrying out attacks against the Somali government.

The United States did not specify where the threat is coming from, but the al-Shabab militant group has been carrying out attacks against the Somali government, African Union forces and other nations supporting Somalia.

One of the installations that al-Shabab penetrated multiple times in the past has been the airport in Mogadishu. In March 2022, al-Shabab gunmen managed to enter a section of the airport, killing a number of people including foreigners.

In February 2016, an al-Shabab member carrying a laptop bomb boarded a flight and attempted to bring it down. He was the only one killed after the explosion ejected him from the plane during the flight.

Meanwhile, the Somali government Monday said that an airstrike killed more than 50 al-Shabab militants near the town of Harardhere in Galmudug state. The state-controlled Somali National News Agency said the operation was conducted in collaboration with “international partners.”
VOA has not independently verified the casualty figure given by the government.

The development comes as Somalia prepares for the withdrawal of troops from the African Union Transition Mission, or ATMIS, by the end of this year.

And as the ATMIS drawdown continues, the Somali government has requested that the AU lead a multinational force that will replace the current ATMIS mission. The new multinational mission will operate in Somalia for one year from January 2025.

In a statement, the AU Peace and Security Council said it welcomes the proposal by the federal government of Somalia for a post-ATMIS security arrangement in Somalia.

Somali officials declined to give further details about the composition of the troops and which countries will be contributing. But in an interview with VOA Somali in February, the national security adviser to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Hussein Sheikh-Ali, said the mission will consist of "lean multinational forces" tasked with protecting key areas and infrastructure.