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Africa Horn

The Doolow Strike: Somalia’s Political Crisis Enters a More Dangerous Phase

2026-09-04

[GaroweOnline] A drone struck the residence of General Mahad Abdirahman Aden, known as "Shub," in Doolow on the night of September 3—4. His family said the general survived the attack.
"Bring me....a Shubbery!"
Information emerging about the incident links the strike to Ottoman Turkish-operated drones supporting Somalia’s federal government. Neither Villa Somalia nor Ankara has said who ordered or carried out the operation.

Turkiye maintains a military base in Somalia and trains and equips forces closely aligned with the federal government. Ottoman Turkish drones are also actively involved in security operations inside the country.

The strike targeted a senior officer who politically opposes Villa Somalia and is associated with supporters of former South West president Abdiaziz Laftagareen. It followed fighting in Baidoa between federal forces and fighters aligned with Laftagareen.

The incident suggests that Somalia’s political confrontation may be entering a more dangerous phase—one in which air power and foreign military support could be used in internal disputes.

If weapons intended to fight al-Shabaab

... an Islamic infestation centering on Somalia attempting to metastasize into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and similar places, all ofwhich have enough problems without them...
are turned against political opponents, relations between the federal government and regional states could deteriorate further. The result could be armed retaliation, wider conflict and deeper foreign involvement in Somalia’s domestic power struggle.

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Africa Horn

Al-Shabaab (Al-Qaeda) ambushed Somali Forces and killed several soldiers in Teedaan, Hiran Region

2026-08-25

#Somalia 🇸🇴: Al-Shabaab (Al-Qaeda) ambushed Somali Forces and killed several soldiers in Teedaan, Hiran Region.

Militants were armed with #Iran-made 🇮🇷 “Sageg” RPG Launcher, #China-made 🇨🇳 DZP1C-40 / Type 69-1 rockets, Type 80 machine guns and Type 56-1 / 56-2 assault rifles. pic.twitter.com/mgvzsbCham
— War Noir (@war_noir) August 24, 2026

ooo

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Africa Horn

Somali Army Ground Forces Commander Visits Front Lines in Hiran Region

2026-08-20

[ShabelleMedia] The commander of the Somali Army Ground Forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi "Gen. Khalid", has visited frontline positions in Teedaan area of central Somalia’s Hiran region, as government forces continue operations against al-Shabaab

... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
bad boys.

Sahal was accompanied by General Ahmed Issa Ahmed, commander of the Somali Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, as well as other senior military officers.

Colonel Ali Cagey, commander of the Somali Army’s 27th Division, welcomed the delegation at the frontline and briefed the commanders on the security situation and ongoing military operations against al-Shabaab, known locally as "Khawaarij".

During the visit, Sahal praised the soldiers for what he described as their sacrifice and bravery, and commended their vigilance against attacks and ambushes by bad boys.

He also praised the troops for their performance on the battlefield and urged them to maintain their readiness as military operations continue in the region.

The visit comes as Somali government forces conduct operations against al-Shabaab in several parts of Hiran, a region that has been a major focus of the government’s military campaign against the gang.

The Somali government, backed by local forces and international partners, has stepped up military operations against al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia as it seeks to weaken the group’s territorial control and disrupt its operations.

Hiran has witnessed repeated fighting between government forces and al-Shabaab in recent years, with security operations focused on clearing bad boy positions and securing key communities and roads.

The army did not provide details on recent military engagements or casualties during the operations.

The visit by the ground forces commander was aimed at assessing the situation on the frontline and encouraging troops engaged in ongoing operations against the bad boys.

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Africa Horn

Al-Shabab militants launches overnight attacks on AUSSOM bases in Lower Shabelle

2026-08-20

#Somalia | Al-Shabab militants Launches Overnight Attacks on AUSSOM Bases in Lower Shabelle

Al-Shabab fighters launched overnight attacks and ambushes against AUSSOM positions in Qoryooley and Golweyn, under Buulo Mareer district in Lower Shabelle. Local reports said heavy… pic.twitter.com/DjuMNM9rPG
— Uubaale News (@CivicPulseh6nc) August 19, 2026

Text:

#Somalia | Al-Shabab militants Launches Overnight Attacks on AUSSOM Bases in Lower Shabelle

Al-Shabab fighters launched overnight attacks and ambushes against AUSSOM positions in Qoryooley and Golweyn, under Buulo Mareer district in Lower Shabelle. Local reports said heavy gunfire was heard around both areas as fighting broke out near the African Union bases. The attacks come amid continued Al-Shabab pressure on military positions across Lower Shabelle, one of the group’s most active operational areas.

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Africa Horn

NISA Says Nine Al-Shabab Militants Killed in Operation Near Jowhar

2026-08-16

[ShabelleMedia] Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said Saturday that its forces, backed by international partners, had killed nine al-Shabaab

... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
murderous Moslems, including two senior commanders, in a planned operation near the central town of Jowhar.

The operation was carried out in the Warciise area, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle region, NISA said in a statement.

Among those killed were Ahmed Ali Jimcaale, whom NISA identified as al-Shabaab’s commander responsible for Jowhar district, and Geedi Mohammed Nur Adde, described by the agency as a senior commander overseeing the group’s activities in the Dumaaye and Dabagaalo areas.

NISA said the two commanders had been monitored for some time, with intelligence gathered on their movements and activities before the operation was launched.

Seven other al-Shabaab members were also killed, according to the agency. They were identified as members of the group’s so-called Hisba unit operating in the Warciise area.

The group controls or maintains a presence in parts of central and southern Somalia and has repeatedly targeted government forces, civilians and military bases. It also carries out attacks in the capital Mogadishu and other major towns.

Jowhar and surrounding areas have been the scene of repeated military operations as Somali forces seek to prevent al-Shabaab from regaining ground and disrupting key transport routes in Middle Shabelle.

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Africa Horn

Egypt Identifies Military Bases in Somalia Ahead of Troop Deployment

2025-09-12

[Garowe] The Egyptian Defence Forces have identified various Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Somalia ahead of the deployment of its troops, who will be serving in 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), as African countries assist in the state-building process.

Several key towns were identified by the technical committee of the Egyptian army, which visited the Horn of Africa nation last week, as part of its evaluation of the environment, climate, and community interaction for the Egyptian forces.

According to multiple sources, the Egyptian forces will be stationed in Bal’ad, Jowhar, Burane, and Mahaday — currently manned by Burundian peacekeepers operating in the Middle Shabelle region.

Their presence in Somalia has been met with mixed reactions, including resistance by the Æthiopian authorities, who maintain that Egypt's presence would significantly derail the fight against al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
murderous Moslems in the country.

Egypt and Æthiopia, who will now play a role in Somalia’s stabilization process, are embroiled in a bitter diplomatic spat over the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD) along the Blue Nile River, which is set to be commissioned on Tuesday (today).

The northern African country joins Æthiopia, Uganda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Kenya in the peacekeeping mission. Recently, the AUSSOM downsized its military presence in Somalia, with the local troops expected to take over security responsibilities from the foreign troops.

Despite the push to have locals take over security responsibilities, experts argue that the government does not have the capacity to deal with Alshabaab fighters. The group seized strategic towns of Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, and Mahas from the local forces.

The al-Shabaab fighters always target the Forward Operating Bases within the country, and in the past, the group has managed to overrun a few of them — including El-Adde and Kulbiyow Forward Operating Bases manned by the Kenya Defence Forces, killing several soldiers.

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Africa Horn

Al-Shabaab Mortar Attack Targets Somali Army Base Near Mogadishu

2025-08-22

[ShabelleMedia] Several mortar rounds were fired overnight at the Hiilweyne military base, located between the Somali capital Mogadishu and the town of Balcad, security and local sources said Thursday.

The base houses units of the Somali National Army (SNA) and has been previously visited by bigwigs of the Federal Government of Somalia, underscoring its strategic importance.

Residents in nearby areas were jolted awake by the sound of explosions as mortar shells landed inside and around the perimeter of the camp.

"There were multiple blasts coming from the direction of the base," a local witness told Shabelle Media. "We suspect the attack was carried out by al-Shabaab

... an Islamic infestation centering on Somalia attempting to metastasize into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and similar places, all ofwhich have enough problems without them...
fighters, as they are known to operate in the surrounding areas."

No casualties were immediately reported, and the Somali military has not yet released an official statement on the incident. al-Shabaab grabbed credit for the attack.

The area has witnessed a surge in bully boy activity in recent months, with al-Shabaab frequently targeting military positions with improvised bombs and indirect fire.

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Africa Horn

Helicopter Crashes in Al-Shabaab-Controlled Area in Central Somalia

2025-06-07

[ShabelleMedia] A military helicopter crashed Wednesday in Maqdis, a village near Xawaadleey in Somalia’s central Shabelle region, an area controlled by the turban group al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
.

Reports indicate the helicopter was hit by heavy weapon fire from al-Shabaab fighters, forcing it down. Three personnel on board, believed to be part of 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...
Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), were maimed and have since been captured by the group.

The helicopter was reportedly en route to a military base in Jowhar, the regional capital of Middle Shabelle.

Maqdis is located near Xawaadleey, which fell completely under al-Shabaab control just one day prior. Xawaadleey lies approximately 40 kilometers from the towns of Balcad and Jowhar.

Before al-Shabaab seized the area, Burundian troops serving under AUSSOM and other Somali government forces withdrew following an attack that included al-Shabaab firing from positions near the Shabelle River.

Xawaadleey is a strategic location linking the capital, Mogadishu, to Balcad and Jowhar. Full control by al-Shabaab could hinder government and AUSSOM efforts to maintain connections between these key towns.

There have been multiple instances of aircraft crashes in areas controlled by al-Shabaab, raising concerns among Somalis about the safety and effectiveness of military operations in these Death Eater-held regions.

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Africa Horn

AU Confirms Exit of Burundian Troops from Somali Town Following Flooding

2025-06-04

[Garowe] 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) has confirmed the exit of the Burundian Defence Forces from the strategic town of Xawaadley, northwest of Mogadishu, adding that they left the area following flooding.

The statement comes after the al-Shabaab

... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
Death Eaters claimed to have captured Xawaadley village after clashing with Burundian troops, adding that they managed to run over the Forward Operating Base (FOB) within the country.

During the evacuation on Monday, the African Union said, one of the helicopters experienced a technical malfunction. However,
if you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning...
despite this challenge, the pilots skilfully manoeuvred the aircraft to land safely.

"All troops and crew have been successfully evacuated to the nearest military base, and no casualties have been reported," read the statement. "AUSSOM commends the Burundian soldiers for their preparedness, which ensured a smooth and safe evacuation."

Without mentioning al-Shabaab's possible ambush, Kareem Adebayo, the Acting Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, commended the troops for their continued support for the federal government of Somalia.

’’We commend the swift action of the AUSSOM Burundian troops during the delicate operation, and we reaffirm our continued support to the people and the Federal Government of Somalia in mitigating the effects of the flooding,’’ Kareem said.

This comes amid heightened al-Shabaab attacks across the country, with the government of Somalia also accused of failing to tackle the rising insurgency. The government of Somalia is accused of immersing itself in political conflicts rather than handling the al-Shabaab insurgency.

Somalia also risks defunding from the United States of America, which maintains that other partners must submit equal resources to sustain the peacekeeping mission. al-Shabaab remains a threat to stability within the Horn of Africa nations.

Al-Shabaab Claims It Shot Down Helicopter During AU Evacuation in Central Somalia

[ShabelleMedia] Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility for shooting down a helicopter near its stronghold in the Middle Shabelle region, during an evacuation mission by Burundian troops under the African Union’s AUSSOM mission, officials said Tuesday.

The helicopter was transporting Burundian peacekeepers from the flood-affected village of Hawadley when it went down on Monday. According to the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure, prompting an emergency landing near territory controlled by the al-Qaeda-linked group.

All personnel on board, including the pilot and troops, evacuated safely and were later recovered and transferred to a nearby military base. The helicopter, left behind at the site, was later captured by Al-Shabaab fighters, who have since circulated images of the wreckage and claimed responsibility for downing the aircraft.

Local sources and Somali officials could not independently verify the claim. AUSSOM maintains that the incident was due to a technical malfunction and not enemy fire.

Following the AU withdrawal, local officials reported that Al-Shabaab may have re-entered Hawadley, a strategic village near Jowhar, the capital of Hirshabelle State, where the group retains significant influence.

Kareem Adebayo, the acting Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia, commended the Burundian troops for their “swift and professional response” and reaffirmed the AU’s continued support to Somalia amid worsening flooding and persistent security threats.

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Africa Horn

Al Shabab claims to have seized Masjid Ali Gadud town in Middle Shabelle region, killing 11 soldiers, capturing five

2025-03-27

[PUBLISH.TWITTER]

UPDATE: Al Shabab claims to have seized Masjid Ali Gadud town in Middle Shabelle region, killing 11 soldiers, capturing five, and seizing weapons. The group intensified pre-dawn attacks despite President @HassanSMohamud's recent visits to frontline areas in the region. pic.twitter.com/4PV6MXK7ZQ
— Abdirisak Tuuryare (@Tuuryare_Africa) March 26, 2025

Al-Shabaab Militants Expand Presence in Middle Shabelle Region

[ShabelleMedia] Al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
gunnies have reportedly reinforced their presence in several areas of the Middle Shabelle region, advancing towards the key towns of Jowhar and Balcad.

Local sources say that heavily armed fighters from the group have entered the region, patrolling roads and establishing new checkpoints. The areas affected include the stretch between Jowhar and Balcad, as well as the zone between Qalimoow and Balcad, and Qalimoow and Jowhar.

The gunnies are also said to have expanded their control into the western part of the Middle Shabelle region, particularly near the town of Afgooye in Lower Shabelle, an area that had previously been cleared of al-Shabaab fighters.

Despite some territories being under the group’s control in recent months, reports indicate that al-Shabaab has extended its influence, regaining areas previously freed by Somali forces.

In response, the Somali government has deployed additional military units to the region, with troops from various branches of the armed forces now stationed in the area. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly set up a command post in the town of Cadakke to oversee operations against the bad boys.

Meanwhile,
...back at the Council of Boskone, Helmuth ordered the space pirate fleet to attack Zemblonia...
~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s by Somali military aircraft have intensified in recent days, targeting al-Shabaab strongholds in a bid to weaken their grip on the region.

The situation in Middle Shabelle remains volatile, with frequent festivities between Somali security forces and al-Shabaab bad boys. The government is reportedly ramping up its efforts to push the gunnies out of the region once and for all.

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Africa Horn

Ethiopian Military Carry Out Rare Airstrikes Targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia Friday

2025-03-10

[ShabelleMedia] Æthiopian warplanes launched precision ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s on Friday against al-Shabaab
... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
bases in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohammed Nur said, marking a fresh offensive in the battle against the al-Qaeda-linked hard boys.

The bombardment, involving missile strikes, targeted key positions held by the group in the volatile region, located north of the capital Mogadishu. Nur told the state TV the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Somali government, though no immediate casualty toll was available.

"The strikes were carried out with full coordination and approval from Somali authorities," Nur said. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to dismantle al-Shabaab’s network and restore peace."

The minister pointed to the Ankara Agreement, a security pact signed between Somalia and Æthiopia, as the backbone of their joint efforts. The deal, brokered in recent years with ~~The Sick Man of Europe~~ Turkey
...just another cheapjack Moslem dictatorship, brought to you by the Moslem Brüderbund...
’s mediation, facilitates military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and cross-border operations to combat the insurgency that has plagued Somalia for nearly two decades.

Friday’s airstrikes come amid a broader push to bolster security ties between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Last month, Somalia approved the deployment of Æthiopian troops under the newly established 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), which replaces the previous AU mission, ATMIS.

However,
there's no worse danger than telling a mother her baby is ugly...
local officials in the Middle Shabelle region said that Æthiopian ground forces have yet to engage in active operations in the area.

Middle Shabelle, a fertile agricultural region, has long been a hotspot for al-Shabaab activity, with the group exploiting its proximity to Mogadishu to stage attacks and extort local communities. The Lions of Islam have waged a bloody insurgency since 2007, seeking to overthrow Somalia’s fragile, internationally backed government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Æthiopia, a regional military powerhouse, has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, contributing troops and air support since intervening in 2006. Its involvement has drawn both praise for stabilizing parts of the country and criticism over alleged civilian casualties—a charge Addis Ababa consistently denies.

Analysts see the deepening Somalia-Æthiopia alliance as a critical step toward curbing al-Shabaab’s influence. "This partnership could tip the balance if sustained," said Abdiwahab Sheikh, a Horn of Africa security expert based in Mogadishu. "But it hinges on consistent coordination and addressing local grievances to avoid alienating communities."

Residents of Jowhar, the regional capital of Middle Shabelle, reported hearing loud explosions early Friday. "The planes came low, and then we heard the blasts," said shopkeeper Halima Yusuf, 34. "We’re used to fighting, but this felt different—more precise."

Somali officials have vowed to ramp up operations against al-Shabaab ahead of the full AUSSOM rollout later this year. The mission, backed by the United Nations
...an organization conceived in the belief that we're just one big happy world, with the sort of results you'd expect from such nonsense...
and funded by international donors, aims to secure key population centers and pave the way for Somali forces to assume greater control.

For now, the absence of casualty figures leaves the immediate impact of the airstrikes unclear. al-Shabaab, which rarely comments on losses, has not issued a statement on the attack.

The Horn of Africa nation remains one of the world’s most unstable, with al-Shabaab controlling swathes of rural territory despite years of military campaigns. Friday’s strikes signal that Æthiopia and Somalia are doubling down on their joint resolve to confront the persistent threat.

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Africa Horn

Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle Region After Militant Attack on Army Base

2024-11-30

[ShabelleMedia] Warplanes launched a series of ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s in the Hawadley area of Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region late last night, targeting known al-Shabaab
... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
strongholds. The attacks resulted in the destruction of multiple vehicles used by the turban group, according to local reports.

The airstrikes were a direct response to an earlier assault by al-Shabaab on a Somali government military base in Hawadley, which reportedly led to numerous casualties among the Somali National Army. Sources within the military confirmed that the attack on their base was one of the deadliest in recent months, prompting the swift aerial counteraction.

The tension in Hawadley, which falls within the Balcad district, has not subsided. There are continued reports of skirmishes between government forces and al-Shabaab turbans, with both sides vying for control over strategic points in the area. The turban group’s control over the road connecting Balcad to Jowhar has severely restricted movement, disrupting not only local trade but also the delivery of humanitarian aid

.

Residents in the area described a volatile atmosphere, with sporadic gunfire and the constant threat of further attacks. "Life has become very unpredictable here," said Abdi Mohammed, a local shopkeeper in Hawadley. "The road to Jowhar, which is crucial for our daily supplies, is practically a no-go zone now."

The ongoing conflict in Middle Shabelle reflects broader challenges in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate that has been battling the government and 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...
forces for over a decade. Despite efforts by the Somali government, supported by international partners, to reclaim territories from the holy warriors, al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate resilience, launching frequent attacks to undermine government control and sow chaos.

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