AlShabaabs

The Unseen Battle: Somalia’s Fight Against Extremism and Foreign Influence The sun sets over the dusty landscape of Lower Shabelle, casting long shadows over the villages where laughter and resilience often prevail. Yet, beneath this bustling surface lies a battle that's both internal and deeply intertwined with foreign influences. As the Somali Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, eloquently put it, “We clearly know that foreign governments are supporting the Al-Shabaab group to take control of the country.” This…

The Rising Tensions: Djibouti Troops and Their Crucial Role Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia In the heart of Hiiraan, Somalia, the sun rises over the town of Jalalaqsi, casting a warm glow on a place that holds both hope and hardship. This is where Colonel Abdirahman Rayaale, a commanding presence in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), steps in to assess the pulse of security and community wellbeing. His mission: to stand against the creeping shadows of Al-Shabaab. The Battlefront:…

Victory in the Heart of Somalia: A New Dawn in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab In the quiet yet determined landscapes of Somalia, a powerful narrative is unfolding. The recent military operation led by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), in partnership with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), has struck a significant blow against the shadowy forces of Al-Shabaab. In an operation that began on August 1, 2025, in Bariire, located approximately 50 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, over 50 militants—including some of…

The Heartbeat of Resistance: Somali Forces Rally Against Al-Shabaab BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - In the vibrant, resilient heart of Somalia, a new chapter unfolds. Amidst the dusty winds and determined spirits, the fight against Al-Shabaab takes a bold front. As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Beledweyne, a palpable tension fills the air—a determination that echoes through the hills and valleys of the Hiiraan region. Strategic Mobilization in Hiiraan Recent operations in the Aboorey area spell a glimmer of hope for…

The Hunt for Abdikadir Ikrima: An Al-Shabaab Shadow Over East Africa In the intricate tapestry of East Africa’s fight against terrorism, few names evoke as much fear and sorrow as Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir, better known as Ikrima. A senior commander with al-Shabaab, his shadow looms during one of the most devastating events in recent history: the 2010 Kampala bombings. As the United States offers a striking reward of $8 million for information leading to his capture, the question arises: how did we find ourselves here,…

Urgent Call for Unified Action in Hiiraan Beledweyne (AX) — In a passionate plea, Senior Militia Leader Ali Jeyte Osman has raised an alarm for an immediate military response following the troubling capture of Moqokori town by Al-Shabaab. His warnings resonate not only within the ranks of local clans but echo across the entire region, emphasizing that the ramifications of losing this territory could profoundly destabilize the area. During a public address in Mahaas on Wednesday, Jeyte, who holds the pivotal role of…

FILE - Former Somali National Army ground forces commander Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi speaks during a media briefing in Mogadishu. Beledweyne (AX) — This week, a significant turn of events unfolded in central Hiiraan as Al-Shabab fighters seized the strategically vital town of Moqokori. This loss, as articulated by a former commander of the Somali National Army, is both a tactical setback and a profound psychological blow to the Hawadle clan militia, who have championed community resistance. General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a…

Somalia: A Critical Turn in Moqokori's Struggle MOQOKORI, Somalia - The strategic town of Moqokori, nestled in the heart of Hiiraan, has once again fallen into the hands of Al-Shabaab. This event signifies a troubling turn in Somalia's ongoing conflict against this group, which commands significant portions of central and southern Somalia's rural regions. In September 2022, Moqokori was reclaimed by local Ma’awisley fighters. However, their hold proved temporary. Al-Shabaab has now retaken the town amid a…

Turkey Equips Somalia with Advanced Helicopters as Al-Shabaab Gains Momentum MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategic move, Turkey has bolstered the defense capabilities of the Somali National Army (SNA) with the delivery of T129 helicopters. This initiative aims to empower the ongoing battle against the formidable Al-Shabaab militants. The arrival of these three sophisticated helicopters marks a pivotal moment, prompted by a direct request from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His dialogue with Turkish President Recep Tayyip…

The Community's Stand: A New Chapter in Aadan Yabaal In a powerful display of unity, reinforcements from various regions of Hiiraan—encompassing Moqokori, Mahaas, Jalalaqsi, and Buuloburde—are rallying in a concerted effort. Community militias have prepared to initiate what local leaders are calling a “final push” to reclaim the district of Aadan Yabaal. This isn’t merely a tactical maneuver; it represents a profound desire to liberate a community that has lived in the shadows of fear for far too long. “Our…