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Abdullahi Ali Afrah Abdullahi Ali Afrah Council of Islamic Courts Africa Horn Somali 20060625 Link
Sheikh Muhiddeen Abdullahi Sheikh Muhiddeen Abdullahi Almuntada al-Islami Trust Africa Subsaharan 20040226  

Africa Horn
Somali Forces Kill Senior Al-Shabaab Leader in Operation, says NISA
2025-05-22
[ShabelleMedia] Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on Sunday that its elite forces, Gaashaan, killed a senior al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
commander during a planned operation late Saturday night.

The statement, which did not disclose the name of the slain leader, confirmed that the operation took place in the Sabiid area of the Lower Shabelle region. The report also stated that the entire security detail protecting the leader was killed in the raid.

"NISA forces, who had closely monitored the movements of the leader, conducted the operation after confirming intelligence about his location. All militia members assigned to protect him were also eliminated at the scene," the statement read.

In addition to this operation, NISA reported that Arclight airstrike
...KABOOM!...
s carried out in the Ceel Hareeri area of Hiran region from Saturday to Sunday had killed 46 individuals, including both senior commanders and fighters belonging to al-Shabaab.

The operations come as NISA’s Director, Abdullahi Mohammed Ali Sambaloolshe, has been on the frontlines in the Hiran region for the past two days, overseeing the ongoing military actions in the area.

Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked group, has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, frequently carrying out deadly attacks using a range of tactics, including mortar shelling in the capital, Mogadishu.
Link


Africa Horn
Puntland Launches Major Offensive Against ISIS in Cal-Miskaad Mountains
2025-05-21
[ShabelleMedia] Puntland
...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion...
regional forces have launched a major military operation targeting ISIS turbans hiding in the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range in northeastern Somalia, officials said on Tuesday.

The offensive, described as intense and ongoing, aims to dislodge the group from strategic positions it has used for years as a base of operations. Security sources report that Puntland forces have already regained control of several key areas previously held by the bad boys.

Among those killed in the recent fighting is Ahmed Muse Said, a senior ISIS figure responsible for coordinating the arrival of imported muscle into Somalia, according to local officials.

"The operation is still underway and is focused on eliminating ISIS presence in the remote mountainous areas where they continue to hide," said Abdifatah Abdinuur, Minister of State at the Puntland Presidency. "We are making significant progress and will not stop until they are fully defeated."

Puntland has been engaged in a sustained campaign against ISIS elements operating in the region, particularly in Bari province. While the group remains significantly smaller than al-Shabaab
... the personification of Somali state failure...
, it has continued to pose a threat through ambushes and assassinations.

The Puntland Defense Forces have steadily advanced in recent days, pushing ISIS fighters further into retreat. Officials say the group has lost several of its key hideouts and is on the defensive.

The offensive marks the latest phase in Puntland’s broader security effort to ensure stability in the region and dismantle holy warrior networks.

Fresh details emerge about ISIS militant killed in Puntland

[Garowe] Ahmed Muse Said, the ISIS militants coordinator killed in Cal-Miskaad mountains, Tuesday, was a well-connected individual who was also well-travelled across the world, thus his links with several foreign fighters in Puntland state.

When Operation Lightning started late last year, Puntland forces, along with foreign military teams, established that most of the fighters are 'imported' from foreign countries, with their passports recovered in various caves which have been seized.

And multiple sources revealed that Said, who was killed last week, frequently travelled abroad - to Ethiopia, Oman and the UAE. The three countries have close ties with Puntland, with the United Arab Emirates providing aerial surveillance throughout the campaign against ISIS.

Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, the commander of Operation Lightning, termed him a 'high-value individual (HVI)' while confirming his identity. He was one of the most sought-after terrorists.

"This operation underscores the unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. The successful elimination of this key figure represents a substantial blow to Daesh's operational capabilities and its ability to conduct destabilising activities," General Sheikh said.

"We commend the exceptional professionalism, dedication, and precision demonstrated by all personnel involved in the critical mission. Their efforts are a testament to the resolve in the face of terrorist threats," he added.

He said no further details of the time, date, or specific aspects of the operation will be disclosed at this time. The connection with foreign countries, specifically, could worry Puntland, which closely works with Somalia’s international partners.

Officials are keen to unearth his links to the UAE, Oman and Ethiopia, which could aid in the fight against ISIS militants. In southern regions, the federal government of Somalia, which has not come out clearly to support Puntland’s stance against ISIS, is tackling Al-Shabaab militants.
Related:
Puntland: 2025-05-17 Funding Cuts, Leadership Changes Hamper Somali Army’s Fight Against Al-Shabaab
Puntland: 2025-05-13 Good Morning
Puntland: 2025-05-13 U.S. AFRICOM Conducts Airstrike on ISIS Target in Somalia’s Puntland
Related:
Cal-Miskaad mountain range: 2025-04-05 US Africa Command confirms defensive airstrike against ISIS in Somalia
Related:
Operation Lightning: 2025-03-12 UAE Airstrikes Target ISIS Bases in Somalia’s Puntland
Operation Lightning: 2025-03-11 ISIS sniper training camp seized in Somalia's Puntland
Operation Lightning: 2025-03-05 Somalia: Puntland forces seize ISIS headquarters in mountains
Link


Africa Horn
Somali Army Brigadier General Killed in Frontline Shooting
2025-05-18
[ShabelleMedia] Somali Army’s 26th Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Abdirahman Hujale, was shot and killed on Saturday on the frontlines near Moqokori, in the Hiiraan region.

The shooting was carried out by a soldier named Abdullahi Hassan Ahmed, who was subsequently gunned down by fellow troops at the scene, according to security officials.

The bodies of both the commander and the assailant were airlifted to Mogadishu for further investigation, according to security sources, who spoke to Shabelle Radio.

This marks the second high-profile assassination of a senior military officer this year. Last month, Colonel Nur Farey was also killed near Afgoye, 30 kilometers from Somalia’s capital, in a similar attack by an individual in military uniform.

The killing of Brigadier General Hujale raises concerns about internal security within the Somali military and the potential for ongoing threats within the ranks.

The government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the killing of Commander Hujale.
Garowe adds:
His killing marks the latest in a string of high-profile assassinations of senior Somali military officers since 2022, underscoring the fragile security situation in the Horn of Africa nation.

In April, Lieutenant Colonel Nur Farey, commander of the 14th October Brigade, was killed near Afgooye town in the Lower Shabelle region. He was reportedly shot dead by a soldier while addressing troops at a local base.

Since early 2022, several top Somali military figures have been targeted in similar attacks, often in areas where government forces have been engaged in fierce battles with al Shabaab.

The deaths highlight the persistent dangers faced by Somali military leaders operating in volatile regions. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the federal government for over 15 years and often targets both military personnel and civilians.
Related:
Moqokori: 2025-03-21 Al-Shabaab strikes Halane Base Camp which houses Western Embassies
Moqokori: 2022-10-25 Somalia: Al-Shabaab siege at Tawakal Hotel ended by Jubaland forces
Moqokori: 2022-09-28 More than ten terrorists killed in central Somalia
Related:
Hiiraan : 2025-04-30 Somalia Plans to Retake Al-Shabaab-Held Town Ahead of Major Military Offensive
Hiiraan : 2025-04-22 Somali President meets regional leaders over worsening security, Al-Shabaab resurgence; Somali army chief quits
Hiiraan : 2025-04-20 Tensions Rise in Central Somalia as Al-Shabaab Militants Advance
Link


Africa Horn
US places $10 million bounty on Al-Shabaab fighter linked to Manda Bay raid
2025-05-11
[Garowe] In what could significantly impact the fight against al-Shabaab
... the personification of Somali state failure...
snuffies in East Africa, the US government has placed a $10 million bounty on Abdullahi Banati, a suspected al-Shabaab murderous Moslem allegedly behind the Manda Bay terror attack.

The 2020 terror attack, which took the lives of three US citizens, including a serviceman, was the first major attack by the snuffies on a US base within East Africa, leading to an endless search for attackers.

The Department of State Rewards for Justice (RFJ), which was established in 1984 to combat international terrorism, has asked anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of Abdullahi to come forward with the information for quick action.

"Two DoD contractor pilots, both US citizens, were killed when their military aircraft was hit by RPGs on the tarmac of the airfield. A third DoD contractor, also a US citizen, survived the earth-shattering kaboom with serious injuries," reads the RFJ's U.S. Army specialist.

A Kenyan soldier was also maimed during the attack. Abdullahi is said to be a member of the Jaish al-Ayman, an elite group entrusted to carry out attacks on Kenyan soil. It is named after one of its notorious leaders, Maalim Ayman, also known as Dobow Abdiaziz Ali, an ethnic Somali from Mandera County.

Abdullahi Banati was one of the individuals involved in the operational planning of the January 5, 2020, attack on Manda Bay Airfield. al-Shabaab — al-Qa'ida's principal affiliate in East Africa — is responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Kenya, Somalia, and neighbouring countries that have killed thousands of people, including US citizens," the RFJ website reads.

Two years ago, Maskim Ayman was also placed on the list of most desperados over the links to the Manda Naval Base attack, which caught the US army unprepared. Senior US Africa Command commanders had also condemned the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for failing to act swiftly.

The January 5 attack, which saw approximately 30 to 40 snuffies launch mortar rounds and fire rocket-propelled grenades and small arms at the base, led to the deaths of four American soldiers. al-Shabaab later grabbed credit for the attack.

The Manda Bay Airfield, which is heavily fortified and with support from a US base in Djibouti, trains the East Africa Quick Reaction Force, which enhances security within the region and safeguards America's interests.

The US Department of State designated al-Shabaab as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in March 2008. The group is under severe attack both in Kenya and Somalia following coordinated operations by the two countries.
Link


Africa Horn
Somali Army Kills Two Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders in Operation
2025-04-29
[Garowe] Two senior al-Shabaab
... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
commanders were killed by the Somali National Army (SNA). The operation at Lower Shabelle is part of the ongoing offensive against the group.

Military officials said the forces targeted the al-Shabaab base in Muduulow area, killing Hassan Biid and Abdullahi Garweyne, who are accused of terrorizing local communities besides asking for Zakat.

The crackdown was carried out by the 26th battalion of the 6th Brigade under the 60th Division, military officials further stated, noting that the hideouts of the forces of Evil were destroyed following the precision strike by the military.

"The fight against al-Shabaab will continue until the region is fully cleared," the military said in a statement.

The government forces have been carrying out operations to eliminate the al-Shabaab forces of Evil who have been entrenched in parts of Lower Shabelle, launching frequent attacks on government officials and civilians.

The elimination of the forces of Evil was followed by cabinet reshuffle initiated by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre who transferred outspoken Foreign Affairs minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Defence docket, replacing Jibril Abdirashid Haji.

Abdisalam Abdi Ali, who has been serving as the second deputy PM for just six months, becomes the new foreign minister. Jibril Abdirashid Haji shall replace him as the Deputy Prime Minister in what further reorganises critical dockets which my hinder military operations.
Related:
Lower Shabelle: 2025-04-26 At least two children killed in Somali special forces’ raid on Al-Shabaab leader’s house​
Lower Shabelle: 2025-04-07 Mogadishu Airport, Halane Camp Targeted in Al-Shabaab Mortar Attacks
Lower Shabelle: 2025-04-06 Over 80 Al-Shabaab Members Killed in Two-Week Operations in Somalia, NISA Says
Link


Africa Subsaharan
2027: ''Buba Galadima a paperweight'' - Ganduje's aide fires back at ex-APC chieftain
2025-04-25
[VANGUARDNGR] Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Oliver Okpala has fired back at a former chieftain of the party, Engr. Buba Galadima, describing him as a paperweight, incapable of influencing any real electoral victory.

Galadima had in a recent interview reportedly claimed that the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has no electoral value, but Okpala said the former APC chieftain ''is a failed, rejected and frustrated politician without any base in Nigeria''.

''His past political record of mercantilism, political duplicity and incompetence clearly shows he has no space of existence in the current political landscape in the country'', he added.

Okpala wondered how Galadima could say that a man who has been a two-time Governor of a state like Kano and at present, chairman of the APC, lacks electoral value.

''His statement clearly portrays him as a mischievous personality, politically.

''We know galadima's garrulous and weightless antecedents and we are not surprised by this his baseless claims.

''He was a well known member of the Buhari Organization but always preferred to take skewed positions, that made all attempts of the organization to win elections futile. Is that the kind of person who would determine who has electoral value?

''Ganduje is a well known, tested and trusted, results-oriented technocrat and politician of high repute, who successfully led Kano for two uninterrupted terms.

''He is a man with infallible proof of performance across Kano and beyond. His developmental projects are still littered across Kano state, a testament to his unbroken connection with the people.

''Ganduje is a grassroots politician with results to show. Where are Galadima's results? He is a barren, outdated politician who has outlived his usefulness.

Link


Africa Horn
AU Forces Convene in Kampala to Boost Somalia Stabilisation as Former Somali Pres. Farmaajo Explains Army Pullback is Strategic
2025-04-24
Does this mean that things are going badly for civil society in Somalia and much too well for Al Shabaab, or is this just the usual diplomatic blithering and posturing? Please help me understand this, dear Reader — I don’t know how to read these tea leaves.
[ShabelleMedia] Senior officials and delegates from Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) gathered in Kampala today for a high-level preparatory meeting. The session precedes an Extra-Ordinary Summit aimed at evaluating ongoing efforts and setting the strategic direction for long-term peace and stability in Somalia.

This summit was agreed upon during the recent official visit of Somali President H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Uganda. Leaders resolved to convene under the theme "To Stabilize Somalia," identifying this as the mission’s ultimate objective.

Speaking at the opening of the technical and bigwigs’ meeting, Ambassador John Mugerwa, representing the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the gathering as timely. It comes in the wake of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) mandate ending on 31 December 2024.

Ambassador Mugerwa recalled that the African Union Peace and Security Council endorsed AUSSOM’s Concept of Operations in August 2024. He explained that the mission is currently in its first phase, focusing on repositioning troops and transferring key security locations to Somali forces to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities.

"In the spirit of the common African defence and security policy, an attack on one is considered an attack on all," he said. "This is the spirit that has so far guided this struggle from the early days of AMISOM."

He underscored that AUSSOM’s success rests on Somalia’s ability to build and prepare its national security forces, adding that it "hinges on force generation, integration, mentorship, and the readiness of Somali forces."

Condemning the recent spike in attacks by the al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
, Ambassador Mugerwa commended the bravery of Somali forces and their international allies.

"We must not allow al-Shabaab to win," he said, stressing that the meeting presents a critical opportunity to resolve operational issues and establish a clear strategic path.

He further called for stronger financial and logistical support, stating, "The success of this mission will depend in large part on the provision of adequate, predictable and sustainable funding." He acknowledged the crucial contributions of the European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
, the United Kingdom, and other international partners.

He conveyed condolences to those injured and honoured the soldiers from TCCs and Somalia who, "paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of peace and stability in Somalia."

Ambassador Mugerwa reaffirmed Uganda’s long-term commitment to Somalia, dating back to its initial troop deployment under AMISOM in 2007. He proposed the creation of a political body to oversee stabilisation efforts, backed by a robust monitoring and evaluation system, and advocated for political reconciliation between Somalia’s federal government, its federal member states, and clan leaders.

The meeting was attended by key military and diplomatic leaders, including Uganda’s Ambassador to Somalia, Prof. Sam Tulya-Muhika; Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma; and representatives from Djibouti, Egypt, Æthiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

Ex-president Farmaajo defends army pullback as strategic, not defeat

[ShabelleMedia] Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Wednesday called on the Somali people to remain “vigilant against terrorist propaganda” as the national army undertakes what he described as “strategic maneuvers” in its fight against Al-Shabaab.

In a formal statement released to the newsrooms, Farmaajo stressed that the army’s recent withdrawal from certain cities should not be interpreted as a defeat. “This is not a sign of weakness,” he said. “It is a calculated repositioning as the armed forces build capacity and prepare for more effective operations against extremist elements.”

The remarks come amid growing public concern and speculation following the Somali National Army’s pullback from several key locations in recent weeks. Farmaajo, who served as president from 2017 to 2022, sought to reassure the nation by pointing to past military gains during his administration.

“Between 2018 and 2020, we successfully liberated numerous cities from terrorist control,” he said, urging the current leadership to build on those achievements by fostering national unity and political stability.

He also extended an appeal to Somalia’s international partners, calling for continued cooperation and assistance. “The support of our friends and allies remains vital to Somalia’s recovery and the strengthening of our national security institutions,” Farmaajo said.

His comments come at a time of heightened insecurity in parts of the country, where the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militant group continues to stage attacks targeting civilians, government institutions, and military personnel.

Somalia is currently undergoing a transitional phase, with ongoing efforts to build a cohesive federal security apparatus and strengthen local governance structures. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is gradually handing over security responsibilities to Somali forces, in line with a phased drawdown plan.

Farmaajo’s statement underscores the complex challenges facing the Somali government as it seeks to maintain territorial control, counter insurgency threats, and navigate political dynamics ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Related:
Farmaajo 11/13/2022 Abu Dhabi must clarify security role in Somalia
Farmaajo 06/11/2022 Somalia lifts Khat ban to boost trade relations with Kenya
Farmaajo 06/11/2022 Ex-Somali Intel Chief admits to being in AQ affiliated group

Link


Africa Horn
Somalia: Puntland forces conquer critical ISIS bases
2025-04-20
[Garowe] Security forces drawn from the Puntland Defense Forces entered phase III of the fight against ISIS militants, conquering critical bases in the process, with the ultimate goal being ejecting the militants from strategic areas within the Calmiskaad mountains.

According to reports, the Puntland forces, with assistance from the US Africa Command over overran key Daacish positions in the Al-Miskaad mountains—including Dallaas, Shilin-Cas, Buur-Gaal, and Dhanan—areas long used as terrorist hideouts.

The bases had provided the militants shelter from sustained aerial surveillance by the US Africa Command, the United Arab Emirates forces, and the local troops, who have managed to make tremendous gains on all frontlines.

"Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces today conducted an operation in Mirale valley, killing ISIS terrorists hiding in the area and clearing them from their caves. The third phase of the operation is underway. Further details to follow shortly," security forces said.

Fighting is still ongoing in pockets. Troops reached these remote zones using camels and donkeys, as normal vehicles couldn’t access the terrain. U.S. airstrikes continue in support, and diplomatic sources say Washington is impressed by Puntland’s battlefield readiness.

Before the 3rd phase of operations kicked off, Puntland warned Nomad communities against making movements within certain areas of interest, noting that they may be taken as terrorists and possibly suffer from the ongoing bombings.

Regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni has previously visited various frontlines while encouraging troops to fight for peace and stability in the state. Puntland has yet to get substantial support from the Somali National Army (SNA) due to an unresolved federal governance conflict.

But there is still hope that with the support from the international partners, the state shall effectively defeat the ISIS militants who were trying to make inroads within northern Somalia. ISIS militants have lost significant territories within the last four months.
Related:
Puntland: 2025-04-18 Somali Forces Kill Over 35 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Operation Near Baidoa
Puntland: 2025-04-17 US Military Strikes ISIS in Puntland, Somalia, Killing One Militant
Puntland: 2025-04-16 US relying on UAE military presence in Somaliland as Trump takes aim at alleged ‘Houthi infiltration’ in Somalia
Related:
Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-04-05 US Africa Command confirms defensive airstrike against ISIS in Somalia
Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-03-11 ISIS sniper training camp seized in Somalia's Puntland
Calmiskaad mountains: 2025-03-05 Somalia: Puntland forces seize ISIS headquarters in mountains
Related:
Al-Miskaad mountains: 2025-01-22 ISIS militant surrenders to Somalia's Puntland forces
Link


Africa Horn
Forces Launch Joint Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Southern Somalia
2025-04-03
[Garowe] The Somali National Army (SNA) with the help of Jubaland regional forces conducted joint military operations in southern regions, targeting key al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
hideouts within the vast lands of the state which is struggling to contain the group.

At Lower Jubba, the military officers and their local counterparts managed to destroy crucial checkpoints used by the al-Shabaab during Ramadan to collect Zakatul Fitr—an obligatory alms payment during Ramadan—from local civilians.

Al-Shabaab made significant losses but the exact number of casualties would not be established — but key hideouts were destroyed as the military took over. Traditionally, al-Shabaab takes advantage of Ramadhan to extort locals besides hitting military installations.

Lower Juba remains one of the regions where al-Shabaab retains a foothold, and it frequently sees festivities and counterterror operations by federal and Jubbaland forces. Early this year, the Jubaland forces and federal troops clashed in Raskamboni.

But the latest joint operations signify improved relationship between the federal and regional forces, perhaps coinciding with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s clarion call over the weekend.

During Eid al-Fitr celebrations on Saturday night, President Mohamud emphasized that defeating al-Shabaab requires broad political consensus and unity. He thanked politicians for prioritizing the nation’s unity and called for their inclusion in both security and state-building efforts.

"I am opening the door to politicians and community leaders so that their views and efforts can be part of the fight against the Khawarij and the establishment of a modern state based on democracy and a federal system, operating within our constitution and laws," the President said. "We welcome all good ideas to preserve our unity."

His sentiments have been backed by opposition leaders led by former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohammed Abdullahi Mohammed alias Farmajo, who insisted national dialogue would cure the disconnect in the al-Shabaab war.
Related:
Jubaland: 2025-03-23 Al-Shabaab briefly Seizes Sabiid Near Mogadishu, 80 Shaboobs toes up in counterattack
Jubaland: 2025-03-23 Al-Shabaab Attacks Security Base in Waajid, Somali Forces Capture Key Operative
Jubaland: 2025-02-17 UAE Airstrikes Hit ISIS in Somalia's Puntland, Killing Dozens of Militants
Link


Africa Horn
Somali Forces Launch Large-Scale Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle Region
2025-03-23
[ShabelleMedia] Somali National Army (SNA) forces, along with local militia, have launched large-scale operations against al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
in several districts of the Middle Shabelle region, the military said.

General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the SNA Ground Forces, who is stationed on the frontlines, confirmed that significant efforts are underway to eliminate al-Shabaab from the region.

He praised the bravery of the SNA and local forces for their recent victories against the terrorist group.

Al-Shabaab is currently facing major offensives, with its strongholds being targeted by Arclight airstrike
...KABOOM!...
s and ground operations.

Once dominant in many parts of Somalia, the group appears to retreat, having abandoned several areas it once controlled.

Al-Shabaab has been responsible for numerous attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the country since it started it war against Somali government and AU troops.
Related:
Middle Shabelle: 2025-03-21 Al-Shabaab strikes Halane Base Camp which houses Western Embassies
Middle Shabelle: 2025-03-20 Good Morning
Middle Shabelle: 2025-03-20 Somali Forces Clash with Al-Shabaab Militants in Middle Shabelle Region
Link


Africa Horn
Al-Shabaab Attacks Security Base in Waajid, Somali Forces Capture Key Operative
2025-03-23
[ShabelleMedia] Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on a security outpost manned by South West State forces in Waajid, a district in Somalia’s Bakool region, leading to a brief but intense clash, authorities said Friday.

The firefight, which lasted for an extended period, saw both sides exchange heavy gunfire. However, South West State officials reported that their forces successfully repelled the attackers, capturing several militants and confiscating weapons.

In an official statement, South West State authorities confirmed the arrest of a key Al-Shabaab media operative, identified as Abdullahi Ahmed Mohamed (also known as Abdiasis). The suspect, who was reportedly filming the attack, has been detained in Waajid prison, where he is undergoing interrogation. Security forces also seized his recording equipment.

Additionally, local security forces said they had discovered and neutralized multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Al-Shabaab operatives. The explosives were found near Waajid’s airport and along a key road connecting the town to the airstrip.

Authorities in Waajid have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security and preventing further attacks by Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for years.
Related:
Waajid: 2024-03-31 Over 80 Al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia
Waajid: 2023-07-28 Al-Shabaab fighters suffer over 60 casualties in latest operation in Somalia
Waajid: 2023-07-26 Jubaland: Somali army kills 25 militants in Bakool, foils kaboom in Gedo
Related:
Bakool region: 2025-01-22 Ethiopian Troops Withdraw from Dinsoor, Raising Concerns Over Al-Shabaab’s Return
Bakool region: 2024-10-18 Al-Shabaab Attack on Military Base Near Hudur Town Leaves One Dead, Others Injured
Bakool region: 2024-10-13 Al-Shabaab Militants Launch Attack on Ethiopian Military Base in Somalia
Link


Africa Horn
Al-Shabaab strikes Halane Base Camp which houses Western Embassies
2025-03-21
[Garowe] A few hours after narrowly missing the vehicle carrying President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
murderous Moslems targeted Halane Base Camp in the vicinity of the Aden Adde International Airport, raising concerns about the increasing terror incidents in the country.

The murderous Moslems took responsibility for the attack targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, leaving a journalist and three others dead. At Halane Base Camp, the murderous Moslems used a mortar for the attack, targeting one of the most secured zones in Somalia that houses the United Nations
...an organization which on balance has done more bad than good, with the good not done well and the bad done thoroughly...
, African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
officials, and multiple foreign embassies.

Local security sources confirmed that at least two projectiles landed inside the compound, including near the Movement Control (Movcon) area where UN personnel board aircraft. However,
a poor excuse is better than no excuse at all...
there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage.

Al-Shabaab has grabbed credit for the attack. Additional security measures have been taken after the murderous Moslems heightened their activities in the country, with security teams being deployed in areas of national interest in Somalia.

In Middle Shabelle, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who visited soldiers on the frontlines, was accompanied by the Somali National Army chief Maj. Gen. Yusuf Odawa, NISA Director Abdullahi Sanbalolshe, and Military Court Chief Hassan Ali Shute.

The four held an open meeting in Moqokori with local fighters, Hirshabelle officials, and elders. The President commended the community’s resilience in the fight against the al-Shabaab, state media reports.

On Wednesday, the European Union
...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which targeted the convoy of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

"We are dismayed by this heinous act that has claimed the lives of innocent civilians," read the statement. "The EU commends President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has reached the frontlines to support the Somali National Army in its efforts to fight al-Shabaab."

"The EU and Somalia share a close partnership, notably under the EU—Somalia Joint Operational Roadmap. The EU remains a steadfast supporter of Somalia’s state-building process, including in the security sector," it further said while pledging support for the soldiers on the battlefield.

Al-Shabaab murderous Moslems usually take advantage of the Holy month of Ramadhan to initiate attacks across the country, mostly targeting senior government officials, government installations, military officials and innocent civilians.
Related:
Halane Base Camp: 2024-11-05 Two AU peacekeepers killed in Somalia attack
Halane Base Camp: 2024-07-04 Ilhan Omar hit with ethics complaint over appearance with ex-Somali PM
Halane Base Camp: 2022-04-26 After Al-Shabaab attacks, ATMIS imposes lockdown at Halane Base Camp
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