Suspected al-Shabab militants trigger second market fire in Mogadishu

Suspected al-Shabab militants set off explosions in the Garasbaley district of Mogadishu on Saturday morning, igniting a fire that engulfed the Tabeela Sheikh Ibrahim neighbourhood market. 

Residents reported that the explosions occurred early in the morning, destroying the market and all commercial areas. This marks the second market to be destroyed by fire following similar explosions within a week.

The attacks are believed to be linked to the recent installation of CCTV cameras in the market, a security measure ordered by the federal government. Al-Shabab militants, who have opposed the installation of these cameras, are suspected to be behind the explosions.

The latest incident follows a similar attack last week, where a series of powerful explosions triggered a massive fire at the Safa and Marwa market in the Elasha Biyaha neighbourhood, about 15 km south of Mogadishu.

The continued attacks on markets highlight the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab in the region, as they target efforts by the government to enhance security measures.

 Somali commander challenges Al-Shabaab leader, urges fighters to surrender

The Commander of Somalia's Ground Forces, General Dayah Abdi Abdulle, issued a direct challenge to Al-Shabaab leader Ali Mohamud Rageh, known as Ali Dheere, in a stern response to recent threats made by the militant figure. General Dayah accused Ali Dheere of manipulating young Somalis into committing acts of terror while his own children live safely abroad.

In a public statement, General Dayah denounced Ali Dheere and other Al-Shabaab leaders for their continued violence against the Somali people. "The Somali people have seen through your lies, Ali Dheere," he declared. "If you truly seek Paradise, why don't you lead by example and take the first car bomb yourself? The people stand with their government now, not with your deceit."

General Dayah pointed out that Somalis are now more aware of Al-Shabaab's tactics, criticizing the group's leaders for sending others to their deaths while safeguarding their own families. He noted that while Ali Dheere's children are receiving an education abroad, young Somalis are being coerced into becoming suicide bombers.

The General urged Al-Shabaab fighters to surrender, promising them education and healthcare if they choose to lay down their arms. "You have a chance to start anew," he said. "The government is ready to help those who seek peace."

Dayah's statement comes as part of Somalia's strategy to weaken Al-Shabaab's influence and encourage defections from the militant group, which has long destabilized the region.

Al-Shabab gunmen target Southwest security officials' homes in Baidoa town

 Gunmen launched a grenade attack on the homes of Southwest security force officials in Baidoa on Tuesday night, leaving several people injured, according to local residents.

The targeted security officials were not present during the attack, which occurred in the residential area of the town. Although no fatalities were reported, family members and security guards were among those injured in the incident.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, with the group stating it targeted the homes of high-ranking officials.

In response to the attack, security forces in Baidoa conducted a sweep of the area on Wednesday morning. However, no arrests were made during the operation.

Baidoa, a town that has been under frequent threat from al-Shabab, is home to approximately 600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), many of whom were forced to flee their homes due to the insurgency and ongoing drought, according to United Nations estimates.

Last year, al-Shabab imposed a weeklong blockade on Baidoa, cutting off supplies to and from the town before the blockade was eventually lifted.

 Puntland seizes 'suicide' drones, arrests 7 linked to Al-Shabaab or ISIS

Puntland security forces have seized a cache of "suicide" drones—weaponry not previously seen in Somalia—and arrested seven individuals believed to be linked to either Al Shabaab or ISIS-Somalia. The discovery of these drones could alter the tactics of insurgent groups in the region.

According to local media quoting confidential security forces, five drones were confiscated by Puntland authorities.

The suspects were captured during a raid on a convoy travelling between Garowe and Galkayo after Puntland military intelligence revealed their involvement in transporting the drones. The seized drones, commonly used in Yemen and other theatres of modern warfare, are capable of evading radar and delivering precise, destructive strikes on designated targets.

"These individuals were arrested after military intelligence provided crucial information about their activities," a senior Puntland security official, who requested anonymity, said. The official confirmed that the drones and the suspects are now in the custody of Puntland's security forces.

Analysis by a weapons expert suggested that the seized drones are improvised assemblies constructed from commercially available components. The lightweight, skeletal frames and off-the-shelf exposed parts suggest they were locally modified to carry explosive payloads, transforming them into lethal devices capable of conducting targeted attacks.

According to the Puntland official, the drones were believed to have been smuggled through the porous borders of Bosaso's busy port and likely en route to central Somalia. Suicide drones, coveted for their ability to hover over targets before launching explosive attacks, are relatively new to conflict zones. However, military-grade versions have already been used in regions like Ukraine and Yemen.

 Somalia introduces modern digital identification to enhance banking services

Somalia has introduced a national digital identification aimed at enhancing its banking services across the country.

This follows a partnership between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA).

NIRA Director General Abdiwali Tima’adde said the partnership will advance Somalia’s economy while aligning business practices with global standards and reducing financial risks such as fraud and money laundering.

“The partnership’s agenda also includes discussions on the implications of this collaboration, the strategic plan to bring registration and National ID issuance closer to the public, and the critical contributions of key stakeholders in driving economic development and ensuring access to modern, secure financial services that comply with international standards,” said Mr Tima'adde.

The landmark agreement represents a major milestone in advancing Somalia’s economic and financial landscape.

Mr Tima'adde said the collaboration aims to integrate the Somali National ID system with the banking sector, marking a significant step toward fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing financial security.

This achievement he said, would not have been possible without the generous support of the World Bank, whose contributions have been crucial in the successful implementation of the Somali National ID system.

 Somali government reviews two-year performance at Mogadishu retreat 

Somali Council of Ministers held a performance retreat in Mogadishu on Saturday, where they reviewed the government's achievements over the past two years as the cabinet faces increasing criticism from opposition groups.

During the retreat, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud outlined the government's progress in six key areas: liberation and security, justice and judiciary, national unity, economic self-sufficiency, social development, and international relations.

President Mohamud praised the government's efforts, highlighting significant achievements in liberating areas previously controlled by terrorists, increasing economic growth, encouraging investment, and reforming the government . 

"What the cabinet has accomplished in the past two years is undeniable. We have witnessed the successes achieved through cooperation and unity," Mohamud said.

He added that the country is undergoing developmental changes that will soon be evident, attributing this progress to the government's ongoing efforts and inter-agency cooperation. 

"The next two years will be different from the last. We will bring more significant projects, and we promise that," he stated.

During the event, President Mohamud listened to reports from various Cabinet Ministers, who detailed the progress made during their tenure and outlined plans for the future.

Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the achievements of the past two years would not have been possible without the support of the two houses of Parliament.

However, the retreat also comes amid criticism from former government leaders, prominent politicians, and regional state leaders. They have expressed concerns over the government's handling of security, political issues, and the management of upcoming elections.

Somali Supreme Court sentences two brothers in killing of Middle Shabelle district commissioner

The Somali Supreme Court on Saturday handed down verdicts in the case involving the murder of Hussein Hassan Molgale, the commissioner of Marerey district in the Middle Shabelle region.

The court sentenced Dadir Ali Osman to death for the murder of Commissioner Molgale, which occurred on March 30, 2024. Dadir admitted to killing the commissioner, citing revenge as the motive after Molgale had reportedly killed his brother. 

In contrast, the court acquitted Dadir's brother, Abdullah Ali Osman, finding him not guilty of involvement in the crime. The decision follows a previous ruling by the Court of First Instance of the Military, which also examined the case in June.

The murder of Commissioner Molgale has drawn significant attention due to its connection to a broader cycle of revenge killings, a persistent issue in some parts of Somalia. The case has progressed through various stages in the legal system, culminating in today's verdicts.

 Somalia's bomb disposal experts face down fear to save lives

Bombings using truck where explosives wired to a mobile phone, or suicide attacks with vehicles, are a common occurrence in Somalia, where insurgents linked to al Qaeda have been fighting the government since 2007.

In one of the most recent attacks, fighters from the al Shabaab militant group used a car bomb to blow up a restaurant in the capital where soccer fans were watching the final of the Euro 2024 tournament on television, killing five people.

"We fear and feel like we are risking our lives," said Ahmed, a member of the police's Explosive Ordnance Unit. "But we work carefully together and consider that we're saving the lives of our citizens."

After three decades of civil war in Somalia, Ahmed's unit also has to deal with the estimated one million mines and other unexploded ordnance that have killed or injured more than 1,700 people across the country, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

The bomb squad's dog trainer Hussain Ahmed said he sometimes faces stigma over his work because dogs are considered unclean in Islam.

"If they say we shall not shake hands or greet you, we are indifferent, without a grudge," he said.

"Yes, there is impurity from dogs, but dogs prevent explosions that would kill thousands of Somalis, so they have their benefits."

 At least five soldiers killed in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

A car bomb explosion in the Garasbaaley district of Mogadishu on Wednesday killed at least five government soldiers and wounded several others, according to local sources. 

The attack occurred near a Somali intelligence security checkpoint on the road between the Ma’ani and Tareedishe neighborhoods.

The militant group al-Shabaab, which claimed responsibility for the explosion, stated that the blast targeted security forces stationed at the checkpoint. 

Government officials have not yet commented on the incident.

The attack marks the third explosion in Mogadishu within the last 30 days, reflecting a surge in violence in the capital. Earlier this month, the group killed over 37 civilians and wounded 212 in an attack at a popular beach restaurant in Mogadishu.

It was the deadliest attack in the Horn of Africa country since twin car bombs detonated near a busy market intersection in October 2022, killing at least 100 people and wounding 300 others.

 Somalia traders shut businesses to protest IMF-backed sales tax

Commerce in Somalia was interrupted for a second day on Monday as traders protested the introduction of a sales tax, a key reform for the Horn of Africa nation’s government that secured a $100 million lifeline from the International Monetary Fund. 

The 5% value-added tax, which took effect on Aug. 18, is being levied on most goods and services, including banking. It comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration tries to rebuild an economy decimated by more than three decades of civil war and opposition from al-Shabaab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda. 

The protests have led to the shutdown of major stores in Bakara, the largest market in the capital, Mogadishu. Somalia’s fledgling government relies on taxes from the city’s business community to fund its spending priorities as it has no means of collecting levies from other regions. It also depends on African Union troops to maintain peace in areas it controls outside the capital.  

“The strike will continue until the government addresses our concerns by either reducing or completely withdrawing the tax,” said Mohamed Hassan, a store owner in the Bakara market. 

Somalia secured an extended credit facility from the IMF in December. It seeks to develop a new income tax law and boost revenue collection under the program. 

The war-torn nation also reached an agreement to cancel $4.5 billion in debt with international lenders late last year. Under the deal, its external obligations were forecast to fall below 6% of gross domestic product by the year of 2023, from 42% previously, according to the IMF and World Bank. 

 Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces recapture ten villages in Gedo region

The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by Jubbaland Dervishes forces, conducted a military operation on the road between Luuq and Dolow towns in the Gedo region over the last two days.

The joint operation successfully liberated around ten small villages to disrupt the militants' control and take bribes from the residents. 

"We set out from Luuq district to clear the Khawarij [a derogatory term used by the Somali government for al-Shabab] who were harassing the people and extorting bribes from those traveling on the road. They fled from us, and we are continuing to pursue them. During the operation, we destroyed their bases along the road between Dolow and Luuq," said Ali Hassan Abdi, Deputy Commander of the Jubbaland Dervishes forces.

The federal government and Jubbaland regional troops have ramped up their operation to drive out the militants from key areas in Jubbaland regions.

 Somalia executes 10 Al-Shabab insurgents

Somalia’s semi-autonomous state of Puntland executed 10 fighters from Al-Shabab on Saturday, the region’s police said in a statement.

The executions, by firing squad, in Galkayo in the state’s Mudug region followed a trial of the fighters in a military court where they were sentenced to death for involvement in assassinations and bombings in several locations in Galkayo.

Police said the executed fighters “were previously sentenced to death by the supreme court of the armed forces after they were found to have committed murders in the city of Galkayo.”

Al Qaeda-linked Al-Shabab insurgents have been fighting for nearly two decades, aiming to topple Somalia’s central government.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously on Thursday to authorize the African Union to maintain its peacekeeping operation in Somalia until the end of the year.

It also called for plans for a successor mission, a critical step toward the country’s takeover of its security.

 Somali forces repel al-Shabab attack on Mogadishu outskirts

Somali government forces successfully repelled an al-Shabab attack on an army base just outside Mogadishu on Friday night, according to security sources.

The assault occurred in Elasha Biyaha, approximately 15 kilometers south of the capital, and was followed by intense fighting between the militants and government troops. Both sides reportedly suffered casualties, though the exact numbers remain unclear.

By Saturday morning, the situation in Elasha Biyaha had stabilized, with government forces conducting security operations in the surrounding neighborhoods to ensure the area was secure.

The latest attack comes just weeks after al-Shabab launched assaults on several military bases in the Jubbaland and Galmudug states. In those encounters, Somali forces reportedly inflicted heavy casualties on the militant group.

Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, frequently targeting military installations and civilian populations in their campaign to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law across the country.

 WHO's mpox global emergency spurs Somalia to heighten precautions

Somalia is stepping up its preventive measures against the mpox outbreak after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation in Africa a global health emergency. The outbreak, which has hit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the hardest, has now spread to 13 African countries, raising fears of further international transmission.

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) also declared a public health emergency earlier this week, emphasizing the urgent need for international aid. In the DRC alone, over 14,000 cases have been reported, with 524 deaths—70% of the cases and 85% of the deaths involving children under 15. The situation in Congo is particularly dire, with the country’s health system overwhelmed by multiple health crises, including malnutrition, measles, and cholera.

Somalia has not yet reported any mpox cases, but the government is taking no chances. Sahra Isse Mohamed, head of infectious disease monitoring and response in Somalia, stated that public awareness campaigns have been launched in partnership with regional health ministries. These efforts aim to educate the public about mpox symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical care if symptoms appear. Additionally, healthcare workers across Somalia have been trained to recognize and manage mpox cases.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has recently seen the emergence of a new strain in the DRC, with a death rate of 3-4%. This strain spreads more quickly and presents milder symptoms, making it more difficult to detect and increasing the risk of transmission. Despite efforts in other parts of the world, Africa remains critically short of vaccines, with the DRC still waiting for the 4 million doses it requested. The spread of mpox in refugee camps in eastern Congo further complicates containment efforts.

Global health experts, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have expressed concerns about the potential for mpox to spread beyond Africa if swift international action is not taken. The WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur a coordinated global response, including enhanced surveillance, testing, and vaccine distribution to high-risk populations.

As Somalia stays on high alert, the government’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the country against this emerging threat. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend largely on the global community’s response to the crisis in Africa, where the need for support is immediate and critical.

 Escalating crime pushes Beledweyne locals to form civilian security force

Residents in Beledweyne, frustrated by a surge in violent crime and escalating political tensions between rival administrations, have formed civilian security forces to protect their neighbourhoods, highlighting the growing insecurity in the capital of the Hiiraan region.

Insecurity in Beledweyne has been on the rise in recent months, with increasing incidents of robberies and killings. The instability is partly attributed to the ongoing power struggle between Hiiraan State and Hirshabelle, two rival administrations vying for control of the region. This political turmoil has created a security vacuum that criminals have exploited, leaving residents to take matters into their own hands.

The tipping point for many residents was the murder of Madeer Ibrahim Hassan, a young businessman, on August 12, 2024. Hassan was shot and killed inside his shop in the Howlwadaag neighbourhood by three armed men who robbed his store and fled the scene. Despite the rapid response by local security forces, the assailants remain at large, underscoring the challenges faced by official authorities in maintaining law and order.

Just two nights earlier, Abdisahal Shurie Hussein, the Deputy Administrator of Beledweyne for Administration and Finance, was ambushed by armed robbers as he was walking home with a friend.

In response to the murders, residents of the Kooshin and Hawo Tako neighbourhoods have organized civilian patrols, primarily composed of local youth, to deter armed criminals. These groups patrol the streets at night, aiming to protect their communities where official security measures have fallen short.

“We are not government soldiers; we are ordinary citizens who have taken up arms,” said Dahir Osman Guled, a youth leader in Kooshin. “We check anyone unfamiliar entering our neighbourhood. On several nights, we encountered thieves and successfully drove them out. Alhamdulillah, the thieves usually come alone or in pairs, but we are a group of at least 10.”

The formation of these civilian security forces has been widely welcomed by residents, who have long felt abandoned by the official security apparatus. The initiative has already led to a noticeable improvement in safety in the affected neighborhoods, providing a sense of relief to many who feared for their lives and property.

 Foreign Al-Shabaab militants captured by Somali forces in Hiiraan

Somali government forces, working with local militias, have captured two foreign nationals linked to Al-Shabaab during an operation in Hiiraan's Farlibah area. The recent operation aimed at diminishing Al-Shabaab's influence in the region also saw a Somali militant surrender to the authorities.

Ahmed Adan Hassan, a local official in Farlibah, confirmed the successful capture, emphasizing that the forces will continue their efforts against Al-Shabaab. "The government forces and local militias captured these foreign citizens without incident," Hassan said, adding that the Somali man who surrendered had escaped from the militant group and sought amnesty under a government program.

Hassan did not specify which nationality the suspects —  who appear to be African —  hailed from.

The capture follows a similar operation in July 2024 in the nearby Beerayabaal area, where an Ethiopian Al-Shabaab fighter, identified by his distinctive tattoos, was captured. The capture of these foreign fighters highlights the growing presence of non-Somali militants within Al-Shabaab, a group that has increasingly relied on foreign recruits as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) phases out.

The Ethiopian militants are part of Al-Shabaab's pan-East African force, known as Muhajirin, which includes fighters from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. This development raises concerns as ATMIS is set to complete its drawdown by the end of 2024, potentially leaving a security vacuum that could enable Al-Shabaab to regain strength.

In response to these concerns, the African Union Peace and Security Council has proposed the creation of a new AU-led, United Nations-funded force to replace ATMIS. 

The captured fighters from the latest operation have been handed over to military authorities in Beledweyne as Somali forces continue their efforts to secure Hiiraan and prevent Al-Shabaab from reestablishing its foothold. The ongoing collaboration between government forces and local militias has been instrumental in weakening Al-Shabaab's control in eastern Hiiraan.

 Explosions caused damage in Jalalaqsi district of Hiran region

There are more reports of two explosions that occurred late yesterday in the city of Jalalaqsi in the Hiran region, which caused damage including deaths and injuries.

The explosions, which were landmines, the first one took place at a checkpoint located in the West of Jalalaqsi district in Hiran region, where government troops were guarding, while the second one took place not far from the checkpoint, which was guarded by the local army. which is known as Mawisleyda. 

The two explosions confirmed the death of two army soldiers and two others from the Mawisleyda army, and 5 other people including the local army and the country's army were injured. 

After the explosions, soldiers from the government and local forces conducted operations in the areas where the mine explosions took place, but no one was reported to have been arrested in the operation. 

The two explosions that took place in Jalalaqsi district are coming, as the general situation in that district has been resistant to explosions and attacks by Al-Shabaab group.

 Puntland recaptures al-Shabaab militant after Galkayo prison break; search continues for fugitives

Puntland authorities have recaptured Barkhad Awil Hirsi, one of four Al-Shabaab militants who escaped from a high-security prison in Galkayo earlier this week. Hirsi, who was sentenced to death for his role in multiple assassinations, was apprehended by the Mudug Regional Police following a brief but intense manhunt.

The escape has sparked widespread concern, marking the second high-profile prison break at the Galkayo facility since 2022. His capture, while a momentary victory, leaves behind the unsettling fact that three other death-row inmates—Abdiqani Saleban Jama, Abdullahi Faisal Hussein, and Abdirahman Awil Mohamed—are still at large, their whereabouts unknown, their next moves uncertain. All were on death row for crimes linked to Al-Shabaab, including murders and bombings.

The Puntland Police had previously announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the escapees. However, it remains unclear if the reward was paid for Hirsi's apprehension.

This isn't the first time the city has witnessed a jailbreak; it's the second in two years, raising unsettling questions about the effectiveness—or lack thereof—of the security apparatus supposedly guarding these high-risk prisoners. Former Mudug Regional Governor Abdiladiif Muse Sanyare has called for a thorough investigation, demanding accountability for those responsible for the security breach. Among some community members, a more sinister narrative is emerging. Many have accused the Puntland administration of complicity in the escape, raising fears that failure to recapture the fugitives could lead to clan-based revenge attacks.

This jailbreak spotlights security challenges across Somalia, where Al-Shabaab has a history of targeting prisons to free members. Just last month, a foiled jailbreak in Mogadishu's central prison saw militant inmates attack guards with smuggled weapons, resulting in the deaths of three prison guards and five militants. The attack led to the suspension of the Somali central prison chief, Brigadier General Dahir Abdulle Rageh, and the launch of an inquiry by the Somali Correctional Forces.

In March 2021, the group stormed a prison in Bosaso, Puntland's largest city, allegedly freeing around 400 prisoners, many of whom were convicted Al-Shabaab members. 

Additionally, the Galkayo escape has rekindled debates over the handling of young Al-Shabaab members sentenced to death. Many of those imprisoned in Galkayo are between 17 and 20 years old. Puntland and Somalia have faced international pressurefrom human rights organizations, such as Save the Children, to reconsider the long imprisonment and execution of these young men.

 Deputy administrator of Beledweyne killed during armed robbery.

Abdisahal Shurie Hussein, the Deputy Administrator for Administration and Finance in Beledweyne, was shot and killed late last night by armed assailants in what appears to be a robbery gone wrong. The murder marks the latest in a series of violent crimes that have plagued the capital of the Hiiraan region in recent months.

The attack took place at around 11 p.m. in the Hawo Tako neighbourhood, near the Kulanta area, as Hussein and a companion were on their way home. According to initial reports, the assailants, who remain at large, fled the scene with Hussein’s mobile phone and pistol.

Security forces quickly responded, but their efforts to track down the suspects have been unsuccessful.

The murder comes as Beledweyne grapples with a wave of violent robberies, often perpetrated by armed groups disguised in military uniforms. These attacks, which frequently target civilians for their mobile phones and other personal valuables, have left the community in a state of fear and frustration.

Hussein, a respected figure in the community, was well-known for his work in local administration. His death has sparked outrage among the youth of Beledweyne, who are demanding immediate justice and the apprehension of those responsible.

Authorities have not made any arrests but have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.