AlShabaab

Somalia's New Chapter: Danab Forces Take on Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of southern Somalia, an intense, transformative battle unfolds. Not on a distant battlefield but in everyday communities—where life dances between hope and resilience. At the center of this struggle, the elite Danab Special Forces are writing a new chapter in Somalia’s fight against terror. Trained by the U.S., these forces are now engaging Al-Shabaab militants with a tenacity that mirrors Somalia's indomitable spirit. Their mission?…

The Shifting Sands of Conflict: Al-Shabaab’s Recent Control of Maxaas In a dramatic twist of events, armed fighters from Al-Shabaab have taken control of the strategic town of Maxaas, located approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Somalia's bustling capital, Mogadishu. This recent development, marked by intense fighting with the national army and local militias, highlights the ongoing struggle within a region characterized by its complex social dynamics and historical tensions. The day was December 8,…

Mogadishu (AX) — This past Sunday, the strategic Somali town of Mahas fell under the control of Al-Shabaab militants, a significant turning point that marks the group’s first breach of this area in over ten years. The news is alarming and raises pressing questions about the resurgence of this group and its implications for regional stability. The Somali Ministry of Defence has confirmed this assault, detailing intense clashes that took place between government forces, local clan fighters, and militants. While the…

Understanding Al-Shabaab's Resurgence in Somalia: A Complex Landscape Mogadishu (AX) — In recent months, Al-Shabaab has made significant inroads in central and southern Somalia. This surge is intricately tied to widening rifts between Somalia’s federal government and its regional states, leading security analysts to question the viability of the country's counterinsurgency strategy, particularly as national elections loom in 2026. What does this mean for Somalia’s future? Can a country divided find a cohesive path…

MOGADISHU, July 28 — A stark warning was issued by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Monday regarding the federal government’s troubling struggle to maintain secure control over towns once liberated from the notorious militant faction, Al-Shabaab. This caution follows the alarming reconquest of Maxaas in the central Hiiraan region by these militants. Reflecting on the recent developments, Sheikh Sharif highlighted the government's inability to retain Maxaas as not just a failure but a…

Somalia: The Closer Look at Al-Shabaab's Increasing Insurgency MOGADISHU, Somalia - The town of Mahas in the Hiiraan region, known for its strategic significance, faces a critical moment. Al-Shabaab fighters are inching closer with a determination fueled by their successes in Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, Gumare, and Tardo. Could this momentum turn the tide against Somalia’s security forces? Al-Shabaab is advancing from various directions, creating a scenario that threatens Mahas—a town…

Al-Shabaab's Strategic Advances Toward Mogadishu: A Complex Security Challenge MOGADISHU, Somalia — In recent developments, the militant group al-Shabaab has intensified its operations across southern and central Somalia. The group's ability to reclaim critical towns has significantly impacted the socio-political landscape, reversing years of territorial setbacks. This resurgence, detailed in a comprehensive report by The Soufan Center—a U.S.-based think tank specializing in global security—poses a profound challenge to…

Somali, AU Troops Push Back Al-Shabaab Offensive Near the Capital MOGADISHU, Somalia - In an impressive display of courage and coordination, the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Forces collaborated with the Somali National Army (SNA) to thwart a potentially devastating attack by Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, 18 militants were reportedly neutralized in this operation. The assault, occurring near the…

In a dramatic turn of events last Friday, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) successfully thwarted an attack by al-Shabaab militants on a military base in the Lower Shabelle region. This incident resulted in the deaths of 18 militants, illustrating both the resilience of national forces and the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents. The assault, which targeted key positions in the Sabiib and Anole areas, was a coordinated effort by al-Shabaab.…

Al-Shabaab's Persistent Threat: Assaults on Military Bases Near Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold and coordinated move, Al-Shabaab militants executed a series of attacks on Friday, targeting two pivotal military outposts near Somalia’s bustling capital, Mogadishu. This onslaught illuminated the persistent challenges confronting Somali and African Union forces, tasked with maintaining a fragile peace. The targeted zones, Sabiid and Caanoole, situated in the strategically vital Lower Shabelle region,…