Somali forces strike al-Shabaab strongholds in Lower Shabelle

Somali government forces struck multiple Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Lower Shabelle region on Tuesday. 

The offensive, led by the Somali National Army (SNA) 's 64th Battalion of the 7th Brigade under the 60th Division, was conducted alongside police units from the Wanlaweyn district. Over a dozen villages, including Aybuuley, Isgaad, Hoo Hook, Fulaaley, and Baladul Amiin, were targeted in what officials described as a decisive sweep aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab's logistical networks and reclaiming territory.

"This is a critical step toward lasting peace in the region," said Captain Ali Abdullahi Halac, commander of the 64th Battalion, who co-led the operation with Wanlaweyn District Police Commander Captain Abdulle Isaaq. "We call on the local communities to work with us. Together, we can ensure security and stability."

While officials have not yet reported direct confrontations or casualties, officials stressed the element of surprise as a factor in the swift progress made by security forces. Local residents were urged to cooperate with authorities to solidify gains made during the offensive.

The Lower Shabelle region, a longstanding bastion for Al-Shabaab, serves as a key strategic area for the militants, who use its remote villages to launch attacks across southern Somalia. The latest operation is part of the government's strategy to reclaim such territories, disrupt insurgent supply chains, and create conditions for humanitarian aid to reach affected populations.

Somalia's federal government has intensified its military campaigns in recent months, with operations supported by local militias and international partners. Analysts suggest that efforts in regions like Lower Shabelle could prove pivotal in tipping the balance against Al-Shabaab, whose control over rural areas remains one of the greatest challenges to Somalia's stability.

At least 11 killed, 20 injured in clan clashes in western Mudug region

At least 11 people, including civilians, have been killed and 20 others injured in renewed clan conflicts in the western Mudug region over the past two days. 

The violence erupted between two clan militia groups from Puntland and Galmudug states over a land dispute in the Jiicbor rural area. The clashes have displaced numerous families, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the region. 

The intellectuals, traditional elders, and officials from both Galmudug and Puntland are currently working to mediate and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. Displaced residents have expressed hope that the ongoing peace initiatives will bring an end to the violence. 

Clan conflicts have surged across Somalia in recent months, with violence reported in Mudug, Galgadud, and Middle and Lower Shabelle regions. The renewed clashes have drawn condemnation from former Somali Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, who described the violence as a grave threat to national unity and stability. 

 

Puntland prepares for major military operation against ISIS militants in Bari region

Puntland regional administration has announced plans for a large-scale military operation to eliminate ISIS militants in the Bari region.  

Thousands of Puntland soldiers, equipped with military vehicles band weapons, have been deployed to the eastern part of Bari. Senior military officials have confirmed that the forces are prepared for a decisive campaign against the Islamic State group, which has established a stronghold in the area.  

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has been leading the planning and operations from the Bari region for weeks as he recently underscored the severe threat posed by ISIS to Puntland’s security.

A November 2024 report from the U.N. Sanctions Monitoring Team for Somalia highlighted the growing influence of ISIS in Somalia, fueled by an influx of foreign fighters. According to intelligence estimates from U.N. member states, the group’s Somali affiliate, IS-Somalia, has doubled in size to approximately 600-700 fighters.  

The report detailed how foreign fighters, including individuals from the Middle East, have used both maritime and overland routes to enter Puntland. These fighters have reportedly enhanced IS-Somalia’s capabilities, allowing the group to expand its influence in the Puntland region and compete with its al-Qaida-affiliated rival, al-Shabab.  

Puntland is one of Somalia’s six federal states. It declared autonomy in 1998, though unlike the neighboring region of Somaliland, it has not sought to be recognized as an independent state. The region is estimated to contain at least a billion barrels of oil resources.

 

 At least five killed in inter-clan conflict in Mudug region

At least five people were killed and several others wounded in an inter-clan conflict in Jiicbor, a rural area in the western Mudug region, local sources reported on Tuesday.  

The violence erupted between clan militias from the Saho and Galdogob districts over grazing land, displacing hundreds of families who fled their homes in fear of escalating hostilities.  

The traditional elders have started efforts to resolve the conflict between the two sides. However, both the Galmudug and Puntland administrations have yet to comment on the clashes.  

The region has experienced sporadic conflicts over natural resources in the past.

 PM Barre meets electoral commission, reaffirms push for one-person, one-vote elections

Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre met with the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission on Monday to discuss preparations for implementing electoral laws and transitioning the country to one-person, one-vote elections.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Barre stressed the importance of efficient and fair electoral processes, urging the commission to expedite its work as the Parliament has recently finalized the necessary legislative framework. 

Barre reiterated that the government  aims to empower citizens to directly elect their leaders, moving away from the traditional clan-based political system.  

The commission, established to oversee this transition, is tasked with organizing local council elections in June 2025, followed by federal parliamentary and presidential elections later that year.  

However, the commission's legitimacy has come under scrutiny. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, and leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland have accused the body of serving President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's political interests rather than ensuring a neutral and transparent electoral process. 

 Somali Prime Minister reshuffles cabinet, dismisses petroleum minister

Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has reshuffled his cabinet, dismissing and appointing key ministers in a decree issued on Sunday.  

Prime Minister Barre removed Abdirizak Omar Mohamed from his post as Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, replacing him with Dahir Shire Mohamed. The government did not provide a reason for Abdirizak's dismissal, despite his close ties to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his political party membership.  

In other changes, Khadija Al-Maqsoumi was appointed Minister of Family and Human Rights, while Bashir Mohamed Jama Goobbe took over as Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Furthermore, Osman Ahmed Macow was named Minister of State for Energy and Water. 

 

Al-Shabaab attacks military base in Middle Shabelle region

On Friday morning, Al-Shabaab militants launched a violent attack on a military base belonging to the Somali forces in the Hawadile area in the Middle Shabelle region, near the capital, Mogadishu.

The attack began with a car bomb, followed by armed clashes between the movement's fighters and soldiers stationed at the base.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming to have killed 21 soldiers, including military officers.

It is worth noting that the Hawadley area had been subjected to a similar operation in January 2023, which resulted in the killing of the commander of the Third Division of the Somali Army and a number of government soldiers.

 Federal governmnet to reverse decision on Ethiopian troop withdrawal from new AU mission

Somali federal government is set to reverse its earlier decision to exclude Ethiopian troops from the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to diplomatic sources. 

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently commended Ethiopian forces for their contributions to Somalia's stability during a ceremony marking the resolution of a year-long diplomatic dispute between the two nations. The dispute stemmed from Ethiopia's controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland in January, which proposed leasing coastal land for a naval base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence—a move Somalia condemned as infringing on its sovereignty.  

The December 11 agreement, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirmed both nations' commitments to respecting sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.  

The African Union Peace and Security Council had previously approved AUSSOM, slated to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) starting January 2025. 

In a significant development, Egypt plans to deploy approximately 10,000 troops to Somalia to replace Ethiopian forces. This shift is seen as part of a broader restructuring of Somalia's security partnerships, aligning with the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM.  

 Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre vows to remove stone roadblocks in Mogadishu

Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre announced plans to remove the stone roadblocks scattered across Mogadishu's main streets to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal and accessibility.  

Speaking at the handover ceremony for newly appointed Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Amiir on Tuesday, Barre urged the Minister of Security and relevant security agencies to expedite the process.  

"The time has come to remove the stones from Mogadishu's roads. These stones hinder the movement of people and vehicles, and their removal will contribute to the capital's beauty," Prime Minister Barre said.  

The large stones, strategically placed in parts of Mogadishu, were initially installed to prevent Al-Shabaab's explosive-laden vehicles from accessing targeted locations. While they have played a significant role in enhancing public security, the barriers have also posed challenges to transportation and urban mobility.  

In addition to blocking main roads, stones have been placed in residential neighbourhoods as a security measure. The city has faced persistent threats, including car bomb explosions and suicide bombings targeting government institutions, markets, hotels, and restaurants.  

Prime Minister Barre's announcement reflects the federal government's renewed focus on improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in Mogadishu while balancing ongoing security concerns.

Five people wounded in landmine explosions in Mogadishu's Garasbaley district

At least five people, including children, were injured in a series of landmine explosions targeting residential homes in Galmudug village in Mogadishu's Garasbaley district over the past two nights.  

Residents reported that six explosives were planted outside homes equipped with CCTV cameras in the area. The Garasbaley district administration and Mogadishu security officials have not yet commended the attacks.  

The explosions come amidst heightened tensions in Mogadishu following the government's directive to install thousands of security cameras across the city. These cameras aim to monitor al-Shabaab movements and enhance public safety, but they have also triggered fear among business owners.  

Some traders revealed that al-Shabaab had threatened to remove the cameras, warning them of retaliation if they complied with the government's directive. Conversely, officials have cautioned that taking down the cameras could result in penalties.  

In recent weeks, al-Shabaab has intensified attacks on markets, businesses, and traders in Mogadishu in what appears to be a backlash against the increased surveillance. Despite the threats, some residents have supported the CCTV initiative, viewing it as a critical step toward ensuring security in the capital.

 

 Jubbaland Intelligence presents al-Shabab suspect following Kismayo hospital grenade attack

Jubbaland intelligence forces on Saturday presented Ali Shidad Ayub, a suspected al-Shabab operative, accused of throwing a hand grenade at Kismayo Hospital. 

According to officials, the suspect, who admitted to carrying out the attack, had been affiliated with al-Shabab for seven years. Ayub surrendered to Jubbaland forces in 2018 and was detained in rehabilitation camps for defectors from the group before being released.  

However, Jubbaland intelligence arrested him again in 2019 in connection with a similar hand grenade attack   in Kismayo. The hospital was treating Jubbaland forces injured in clashes in Raskamboni town, located in the Lower Jubba region.  

The suspect reportedly resumed work in Kismayo before being coerced by al-Shabab to attack the Kismayo district headquarters. Ayub claimed that the militant group threatened to kill him if he refused to comply with their demands. 

 UNSC extends al-Shabaab sanctions pending review

The Security Council today extended its authorization for Member States to intercept vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, until 28 February 2025 — a short-term renewal to provide members with additional time to discuss “the best shape” of the sanctions regime amid the ongoing United Nations drawdown in Somalia.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2762 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2762(2024)), the 15-member Council also renewed until 31 March 2025 the mandate of the Panel of Experts which monitors implementation of sanctions against Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

The sanctions measures were initially set out in paragraphs 15 and 17 of resolution 2182 (2014) and expanded by paragraph 5 of resolution 2607 (2021), as most recently renewed by paragraph 23 of resolution 2713 (2023).  Under these provisions, Member States have been allowed to inspect, in Somali territorial waters, vessels they have reasonable grounds to believe are carrying banned items, including charcoal, weapons or military equipment, and improvised explosive device components.  Member States have also been authorized to seize and dispose of any such items identified in inspections.

Somalia is undergoing a critical period in its security transition.  Speaking before the vote, the representative of the United Kingdom recalled that in October, the Council endorsed United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) taking over responsibilities from United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and beginning its transition to a United Nations country team.  The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is due to be replaced by its successor mission, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) at the start of next year, she said.

“The text we have tabled for adoption today provides stability for the functioning of the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime, maintaining the current provisions until the end of February,” she said.  The United Kingdom looks forward to consulting stakeholders in the coming weeks to consider the best shape of this vital regime, ensuring it supports our collective effort to degrade the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, she added.

 Somalia accuses Jubbaland of al-Shabaab collaboration in Raas Kambooni attack

Somalia's Federal Government has accused Jubbaland's administration of collaborating with Al-Shabaab militants in a recent attack on government forces in Raas Kambooni, a strategic coastal area in Lower Jubba. The incident, which forced Somali National Army (SNA) troops to withdraw, has further strained Mogadishu's relations with the semi-autonomous region.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala alleged that Jubbaland troops coordinated with Al-Shabaab militants in carrying out the operation. According to government intelligence, Jubbaland military vehicles and forces passed through areas controlled by Al-Shabaab before launching the assault.

"There is clear evidence that Al-Shabaab played a consequential role in the attack on government forces. This demonstrates the close relationship between Ahmed Madobe and Al-Shabaab," Al-Adala said, referring to the leader of the Jubbaland administration.

The Federal Government also revealed the establishment of a national investigative committee to probe the incident further. "The committee will conduct a comprehensive investigation into this matter and submit an official report to the government," Al-Adala added.

The Ministry of Defense accused Ahmed Madobe's administration of provoking the conflict. It alleges that government forces stationed in Raas Kambooni were attacked by troops loyal to Ahmed Madobe despite not having orders to engage in combat at the time.

Somali federal forces clash with Jubbaland troops near strategic Raas Kambooni

Heavy fighting broke out today between federal government forces and Dervish forces from Jubaland State in Lower Juba region, the far south of Somalia.

According to local sources, the fighting took place in an area about 30 kilometers from the strategic town of Ras Kamboni, and resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, but the exact details of the human losses are not yet known.

Jubaland State has given federal government forces stationed in Ras Kamboni a deadline to withdraw from the area, warning that the federal government will be fully responsible if its forces do not adhere to the deadline for withdrawal.

 Somali President appoints Mohamed Ahmed Amiir as Mogadishu Mayor

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appointed Mohamed Ahmed Amiir as the new Mayor of Mogadishu on Tuesday, replacing Sheikh Yusuf Jim'ale "Maddale" through a presidential decree.  

President Mohamud instructed the new mayor to focus on advancing the capital's development agenda, emphasizing public elections, beautification projects, improved public services, and enhanced security measures.  

The Somali president did not explicitly say why he was firing Maddale, but political analysts suggest the change aligns with Mohamud's push for his "one person, one vote" electoral policy and security objectives.  

The new mayor, a seasoned scholar, brings a wealth of experience in economy, social development, administration, and management, signaling a focus on professional governance and alignment with national development priorities. 

 Somali Media Relations Strategy Conference concludes in Mogadishu

The conference, which took place in Mogadishu over the past two days, discussed the importance of the Somali Media Relations Strategy and how to unify the messages of the Government and the regional governments of the country that are members of the Federal Government. 

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Federal Government of Somalia organized the conference and was attended by various officials from the Federal Government, the regional governments of the country, the Banadir Regional Administration, the media, civil society and representatives from international partners.

The Somali Media Relations Strategy Forum, which was held today and was supported by the Ministry of Information with the support of the United Nations Interim Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), is expected to be a pioneer in the direction of the community in state-building, unifying messages and raising awareness in our society," said a statement from the Ministry of Information of Somalia. 

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry and Acting Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adaala, who first spoke at the forum, said that the Somali Government has focused on unifying the messages of the government and the direction of the Somali people, and has achieved significant successes. 

The conference was divided into three discussions, namely, Managing the Importance of Media Relations in the Modern Era, Improving and Unifying the Messages of Various Government Institutions, and Facilitating the Right to Information for the Media and the Public. 

The Director General of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdullahi Xayir Duale, indicated that the conference was an opportunity for the government, the media and the public to discuss in order to strengthen public awareness and increase government transparency.

Somali Defense Minister Abdukadir Mohamed Nur, who spoke at the conference, said that the media played an important role in the fight to liberate the country from Al-Shabaab.

“In the victories achieved in the War against the Khawarij, the media played an important role, exposing the looting and oppression that the Khawarij had inflicted on the liberated society,” said Minister Abdukadir Mohamed Nur Jama. 

The Minister of Communications of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Adan Macalin, said at the conference that they had succeeded in shutting down Al-Shabaab accounts on social media. 

“With the cooperation of the Ministry of Information, we have removed thousands of Khawarij accounts on social media that were misleading our people,” said the Minister of Communications of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mohamed Adan Macalin. 

Finally, the representatives from the International Friends of Somalia described the development and unification of media relations and the prevention of false information that Al-Shabaab is spreading to mislead the public as a positive step.

 

More than 30 killed in clan clashes in Middle Shabelle

Reports from Middle Shabelle region of Hirshabelle state say more than 30 people have been killed in clan clashes that erupted on Friday in areas of the coastal town of Adile.

Sources said that the clashes, which lasted for several hours, resulted in this number of deaths, in addition to a number of injuries.

No official statement has been issued by the Hirshabelle State government or the military officials in the province regarding the incident, while the situation in the region remains highly tense.

 Somali forces kill senior Al-Shabaab operatives in Lower Shabelle raid

The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), with support from the Somali National Army (SNA), carried out a raid in Lower Shabelle's Jambaluul village, killing four senior Al-Shabaab operatives.

The overnight raid struck Al-Shabaab operatives entrenched in the rural outskirts of Jambaluul. Among those killed were identified by NISA as:

• Moalim Nur, responsible for recruiting and indoctrinating local youth.

• Liban, a financial figure who oversaw the collection of extortion money.

• Ali Yare, an operational agent involved in logistical activities.

• Bilal, a member of the militant group's "Hisba" enforcement unit.

Additionally, two other militants, identified as Kuusow and Caddow, were injured and fled the scene, prompting continued monitoring by Somali forces.

Lower Shabelle, an important stronghold for Al-Shabaab, has long been a focal point for counterterrorism operations. The region provides the group with vital revenue streams through extortion and taxation schemes targeting local businesses and residents. By neutralizing key figures in Jambaluul, Somali forces aim to undermine the group's ability to finance its insurgency and exert control over rural areas.

The SNA said the operation is part of a broader shift toward intelligence-driven military strategies.

In a statement, NISA lauded the mission's success as a testament to Somalia's growing capacity to combat terrorism. "This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling Al-Shabaab networks and securing the safety of our citizens," a NISA spokesperson said.