Somali forces liberate key areas in Middle Shabelle from Al-Shabaab

Somali government forces, supported by elite military units, have captured territory in the Middle Shabelle region.

In a coordinated operation led by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the Gorgor Commando unit, government forces liberated the Shanloow area and several nearby villages that had been under Al-Shabaab control. Officials confirmed that the militants had used these areas as bases for launching attacks and intimidating local communities.

A NISA spokesperson described the operation as a major success, revealing that multiple Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior operatives, were killed. While exact casualty figures were not provided, the official said the operation struck a blow to the group's operational capacity.

"Our forces destroyed several bases that Al-Shabaab used to oppress civilians and coordinate their terror campaigns," the spokesperson said, adding that the operation is part of the federal government's strategy to liberate Somalia from militant control.

Middle Shabelle's location makes it a key battleground in Somalia's efforts to eradicate Al-Shabaab. Situated near Mogadishu and vital transport routes, the region has been a stronghold for the group, which has exploited it to project power and disrupt governance.

The Somali government, supported by regional forces and international allies, has intensified its campaign against Al-Shabaab, focusing on reclaiming key territories and dismantling the group's infrastructure. While this operation is a significant step forward, defence analysts caution that sustained efforts will be required to consolidate gains and prevent militants from regrouping.

The campaign against Al-Shabaab is one of Somalia's most critical security challenges. For over a decade, the group has maintained its grip over rural areas, leveraging guerrilla tactics to resist federal forces. 

The federal government faces a daunting challenge: securing newly reclaimed territories and addressing the deep-seated issues of instability, including frail institutions and widespread economic hardship.

 

Jubaland issues arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

The Jubaland state administration has issued an arrest warrant for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of treason, colluding with al-Shabaab, igniting civil war and undermining national unity.

The action by the Kismayo District Court escalates ongoing political tensions between the Somali federal government and Jubaland state.

The move comes after the federal government issued an arrest warrant for Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, highlighting deep disagreements within Somalia's federal structure.

There is no immediate response from the Somali government, but Jubaland's move is seen as a response to a similar move taken by the Somali government where the Banadir Regional Court issued an arrest warrant for Ahmed Madobe who was charged by prosecutors with treason, conspiring with foreign governments, and committing acts against Somali national unity.

 Over 80 Jubbaland forces join federal troops in Raskamboni to combat al-Shabab militants

Over 80 soldiers from Jubbaland's regional forces have joined the Somali federal government's military operation against al-Shabab in Raskamboni, Lower Jubba, military officials confirmed Tuesday.  

The federal government stated that the federal troops arriving in Raskamboni over the past two days will secure areas vacated by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) while continuing efforts to dismantle al-Shabab's presence in the region.  

Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Iraqi, commander of the Somali National Army's (SNA) 18th Battalion of Special Forces, welcomed the integration of Jubbaland soldiers and urged them to commit fully to the mission. 

"Their participation strengthens our efforts to ensure security and liberate the country from al-Shabab," Iraqi said.  

The deployment of nearly 1,000 federal troops to Raskamboni marks a significant escalation in Somalia's ongoing military operations against the militant group. Federal government underscored that the move is part of broader preparations to transition security responsibilities from ATMIS to Somali forces, as the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to replace ATMIS on January 1, 2025. 

 Puntland has started a war against the Daesh group in the Bari region

Puntland has launched a military operation against the Daesh group that is expanding in the mountainous areas of the Bari region.

A large number of troops with military vehicles have left Garowe city and reached Bosaso city, where they are expected to cross the mountains to attack the ISIS headquarters in Bari region. 

The President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, is currently in Bosaso, where he is based at the Puntland Naval Force (PMPF) base. Sources say that the security situation in Bosaso has caused President Deni to stay away from the Bosaso presidency. 

It was also said that the Africom command has promised Puntland support for airstrikes targeting Daesh centers in the Bari region. 

However, the number of ISIS fighters has increased. A report issued by the United Nations has warned of the influx of foreign fighters joining ISIS in Somalia. 

The number of ISIS fighters in Puntland is estimated at 600 to 700, and it is said that they receive great support from foreign fighters from Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco, and Tanzania. 

The UN report noted that foreign fighters have increased the group's power, using Puntland's land and sea routes to enter Somalia. Intelligence sources have warned that the progress made by the IS group in the Cal-Miskaad mountains is a dangerous change in the security field.

Somali government lands troops in Ras Kamboni area in southern Somalia

Reports from Ras Kamboni area in Lower Juba region, whose capital is Kismayo, indicate that the Somali government today landed troops at a small airport in the area.

Reports added that Colonel Hassan Iraqi, commander of the 18th Regiment of the Somali Special Forces known as “Gor Gor”, is leading the forces that were airlifted from Mogadishu and took up positions in the area.

The landing coincided with a severe dispute between the Somali government and the state of Jubaland, led by Ahmed Madobe, who was re-elected today for a third presidential term.

In a statement he made after taking the constitutional oath today, Madobe strongly criticized the leadership of the Somali federal government, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of waging war on his administration.

Madobe pointed out that Barre did not return the favor to Jubaland, and explained that he is working to destroy the regional administration, explaining that there were previous attempts in this regard that ended in failure, and President Hassan Sheikh warned against using the Prime Minister against Jubaland and returning things to square one.

 28 Somalis died in two boats that landed on the shores of Madagascar

28 Somali citizens lost their lives when the boat they were traveling with sank on the northwestern coast of Madagascar.

The port, sea and river agency of Madagascar confirmed the death in a statement. 

The tragedy happened after two boats carrying a total of 66 passengers left Somalia on November 2, with the aim of reaching the French-controlled island of Mayotte. 

The two boats are reported to have encountered engine problems, which led to them being stranded at sea. Malagasy fishermen found one of the boats and brought it to a place known as Nosy Be. 

Somalia's ambassador to the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, has confirmed that the search operations are ongoing, and he has confirmed that the government of Somalia is working closely with Madagascar to find and help other people who may have survived. 

48 people who survived the disaster are currently in Madagascar's medical facilities, according to the Xinhua news agency. 

On the other hand, the Malagasy port authorities called on the people living in the town of Nosy Be to report if they see the wreckage of the boats, so that they can help in the rescue.

Foreign militants flock to join ISIS branch in Somalia

The small but influential Islamic State terrorist group in Somalia is growing, in part due to what the United Nations calls an “influx of foreign fighters.”

According to Voice of America, a new report issued this week by the United Nations sanctions monitoring team in Somalia warned that fighters, including some from countries in the Middle East, have helped the Islamic State in Somalia, also known as ISIS Somalia, double its size to between 600 and 700 fighters.

“Foreign fighters are arriving in Puntland [Somalia] using maritime and land routes,” says the report, which is based on intelligence assessments from UN member states.

The report said foreign fighters “expanded and enhanced the group’s capabilities,” boosting ISIS’s presence in Somalia’s Puntland region while also helping it seize territory from its main rival, the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group al-Shabab.

Intelligence sources described ISIS’s advance in Somalia, particularly in the Alamskad Mountains of Puntland, as a “radical change,” and attributed the change in ISIS’s fortunes in Somalia to foreign fighters.

The UN report said ISIS foreign fighters came from at least six countries: Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Sudan, Morocco and Tanzania. It also said some captured foreign fighters reported working with trainers from parts of the Middle East.

 

Mogadishu to host two-day consultation on disaster management

Mogadishu – Somali Disaster Management Agency Commissioner Mohamud Moalim on Tuesday opened a crucial two-day consultative meeting in the Somali capital, focusing on improving the nation’s approach to disaster response.

The meeting aims to identify the triggers that may lead to emergencies and improve coordination between different agencies for a more effective shock response strategy.

“Today’s initiative is about bringing together experts and stakeholders to streamline our emergency procedures,” Commissioner Maalem said during the opening session.

The event, organised by the Somali Disaster Management Agency, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening its disaster preparedness, especially in light of the recurring natural disasters such as floods and droughts that affect Somalia.

Attendees included representatives of humanitarian organizations, regional and federal government officials, and international partners, all of whom came together to discuss and develop actionable plans to mitigate the effects of future disasters.

This meeting is part of a broader effort to strengthen Somalia’s resilience to environmental shocks through improved coordination and early warning systems.

 

Somali Intelligence Agency Arrests Suicide Facilitator

Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency has announced the arrest of Abdinasir Mohamed Hassan, accused of facilitating suicide attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab.

A statement issued by the agency indicated that Abdel Nasser played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe passage of vehicles used in suicide bombings, and evading detection at security checkpoints.

The statement added that the man is accused of facilitating nine suicide attacks, including the deadly attack on the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu on March 14, 2024, which killed several people and injured dozens, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the network of Al-Shabaab operatives.

“The arrest of Abdul Nasser Mohammed Hassan represents a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the Al-Shabaab operational network,” the intelligence agency said in a statement.

The Somali government has intensified its campaign against al-Shabaab in recent months, targeting financiers, recruiters and logisticians who support the group.

The authorities urged citizens to cooperate with security forces by providing information that could help identify and arrest other individuals involved in terrorism-related activities.

The arrest is expected to lead to further intelligence breakthroughs, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of Nasser's network and connections within Al-Shabaab.

 Landmine explosion kills four civilians in Lower Shabelle region

At least four people were killed and two others injured in a landmine explosion targeting a civilian vehicle on the road between Afgoye and Wanlaweyn districts in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region on Sunday afternoon.  

Residents reported that the blast occurred in the Doonka area, striking a vehicle en route to Afgoye. The wounded civilians were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.  

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, al-Shabab militants frequently conduct such operations across the country, often targeting civilians and security forces.  

Government officials have yet to comment on the incident or the casualties.

 Inter-clan fighting in Galmudug kills 11 people, many displaced

At least 11 people were killed and several others injured in inter-clan clashes over grazing land in the Labi Ano area, east of Dhusamareeb, the capital of Galmudug, on Sunday.

Local residents report that the fighting erupted between two militia groups, forcing many families to flee their homes. The conflict has further strained the lives of displaced residents who are seeking safety amid the violence.  

The Galmudug administration has issued no official statement regarding the incident. However, residents are urging authorities and community leaders to mediate and end the bloodshed.  

The recurring disputes over resources such as grazing land highlight the ongoing challenges of managing inter-clan rivalries in Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions, underscoring the urgent need for conflict resolution mechanisms.

 Al-Shabab executes two men accused of collaborating with Somali army forces

Al-Shabab militant group publicly executed two men accused of working with Somali government forces in a village near Janale, about 90 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, witnesses said Friday.  

The executions occurred in a public square in Busley Daoud, an area under Al-Shabab control. The victims, identified as Mohamed Abdulkhadir Ali, 21, and Mohamud Hassan Ali, 20, were blindfolded and shot in front of at least 100 residents, witnesses reported. The men were reportedly denied legal representation during the proceedings.  

Al-Shabab accused Abdulkhadir Ali of collaborating with Somali forces in the Lower Shabelle region's town of Marka, while Hassan Ali was charged with aiding government forces in Aden Yabaal, a district in Middle Shabelle recently recaptured by Somali troops.  

The militant group continues to enforce its rule in pockets of territory despite losing control over much of the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions. It uses these areas to impose taxes on local populations and intimidate residents through displays of violence. 

 Jubaland court sentences clan elder to five years for Al-Shabaab collaboration

A Jubaland military court on Monday sentenced clan elder Hassan Mahamud Salah to five years in prison, ruling that he collaborated with the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Colonel Abdullahi Mahamud Ibrahim, who presided over the trial in Kismayo, announced the sentence, noting that Salah’s affiliation with Al-Shabaab warranted a significant penalty. “This is a warning to anyone who thinks they can support terrorist groups without facing justice,” he said, emphasizing the court’s strict stance on those linked to Al-Shabaab. According to court officials, sentences for such crimes typically range from three to ten years, depending on the level of involvement.

The investigation into Salah’s ties to Al-Shabaab, conducted by the Jubaland National Intelligence and Security Agency, revealed that Salah allegedly participated in Al-Shabaab’s intelligence-gathering efforts. He was reportedly part of a five-member committee responsible for information collection. Jubaland officials allege that Salah’s collaboration with the group went beyond traditional community leadership, involving direct support for Al-Shabaab’s operational needs.

Authorities initially detained Salah last year in the border town of Kulbiyow with assistance from Kenyan security forces. He was later transferred to Kismayo, where intelligence officials interrogated him. The charges claim that Salah’s actions as an elder were instrumental in supporting Al-Shabaab’s operations in the area.

In court, Salah defended his connections with Al-Shabaab, arguing that his interactions were part of his role as a clan elder and did not involve active support. However, the court ruled that his involvement constituted a clear affiliation with the group, particularly given his position within the alleged intelligence network.

The sentencing marks a continued effort by Jubaland’s military court to curb Al-Shabaab’s influence by prosecuting those suspected of aiding the group. Jubaland authorities, in collaboration with regional security partners, have intensified efforts to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s network, aiming to deter local support for the militant group.

 NISA kills 22 al-Shabb militants, destroys weapon-laden vehicles in Galgadud region.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) killed at least 22 al-Shabab militants in a targeted operation in Dhararweyn village, under the Gal’ad district in Somalia’s Galgadud region, on Monday night.

According to a NISA statement, the operation was based on intelligence monitoring of al-Shabab's recent activities in central regions in Galmudug regional State of Somalia.

During the raid, intelligence forces destroyed three vehicles loaded with weapons and ammunition, which al-Shabab was allegedly planning to use for attacks in central Galgadud.

The latest action was part of an intensified anti-al-Shabab campaign, with NISA forces reportedly killing over 100 militants across Galmudug and Hirshabelle in recent weeks as military operations continue nationwide.