Author: Osman Omar

The Somali government has restructured its national army, appointing new commanders for the new intelligence divisions and logistics support. These officers have been trained for the last 2 years and taking several courses inside the country and outside the country. A new reconnaissance and intelligence office has been established, equipped with technology and facilities for military operations. Each battalion now has a dedicated intelligence and reconnaissance unit. This reinstates a division that was disbanded in 1972 with the creation of the civilian National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).  Now this office is crucial in the fight against Al-Shabaab within Somalia’s…

.Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, is grappling with a pressing issue: several TV and radio stations are operating under the guise of legitimate journalism. However, these so-called journalists are not just a nuisance; they are enemies of the people, spreading harmful and misleading information. Disturbingly, a number of them have been accused of collaborating with al Shabab, painting a negative picture of Mogadishu and undermining the efforts of the Somali government. These pseudo-journalists are a clear violation of the standards of professional journalism, posing a significant challenge for the government and society. It is the duty of the Somali government…

The Somali army has effectively disrupted the supply lines of a small militant group operating in Galmudug and Hirshabelle. This group, which previously relied on a sea route for supplies, has been met with a formidable blockade by local forces. Despite making four attempts to bypass this blockade, the militants were consistently thwarted, thanks to the unwavering vigilance and intelligence from aerial surveillance drones. The Somali army’s success extends beyond securing the sea routes. They have also managed to close a secret pathway from Bakool that the militants used. This pathway, which emerged near the Maxaas area, took advantage of…

Open Letter from the Southern Somali Diaspora to Abdirahman Abdishakur We, members of the Southern Somali diaspora, are expressing our dedication and optimism for our beloved homeland. As Somalis who value our connection to our country, we have closely followed the efforts to rebuild and strengthen Somalia. Under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Hamza Abdi Bare, the Somali government has been working tirelessly to bring stability, prosperity, and peace to our nation. Their efforts include Enhancing security in the capital city Liberating the country from al-Shaba- Rebuilding the army forces Strengthening the economy. We understand the immense…

Al Shabab, a militant group, has been exploiting vulnerable individuals to carry out its violent activities. The Somali government must adopt counter-offensive measures to protect these individuals. After losing control over urban areas and their ability to conduct assassinations, Al Shabab started coercing vulnerable people into performing their dirty work. They target young and impoverished individuals from rural areas, bringing them to Mogadishu to terrorize the population. Tragically, Al Shabab recruits children as young as 15 or 16 years old, providing them only with food in exchange for committing violent acts. However, the Mogadishu police force remains vigilant. It is…

Southern Somalia is in the grip of severe political challenges that demand immediate attention and action. The behavior of its leaders, reminiscent of past warlords, is exacerbating the situation and harming the region’s reputation. Politicians’ provocative statements are not just fueling internal conflicts, but also destabilizing the area, and inadvertently aiding the rise of extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. The destructive rivalry and refusal to collaborate among Southern Somalia’s politicians have created a politically unstable environment, fragmented the Southern tribes, and weakened efforts to establish a cohesive governance structure. This instability has…

The Somali National Army’s Special Forces, particularly the specialized Danab Brigade, conducted a joint land and air operation in the regions of Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud. The operation, focused on areas surrounding Maraay Suuley village in Galgaduud region, was led by the commander of the 161st Brigade, 16th Commando Battalion, Danab Special Operations Unit, Colonel Caarif Hire. During the operation, Danab forces conducted clearance missions in villages along the border of Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions. The objective of the operation was to ensure the security of the areas bordering the Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions.   this area has been stronghold…

In the past five months, Somalia has witnessed a profound transformation in its battle against Al Shabab, marked by a notable surge in defections from the militant group. This surge clearly indicates potential fractures within Al Shabab’s core, reflecting a diminishing influence that is increasingly evident through in-depth live interviews with defectors. A key revelation emerging from these defections is the mounting difficulty faced by Al Shabab in recruiting youths from urban centers across Somalia. This challenge has precipitated the group’s abandonment of control over one-third of the territory it once ruled over just two years ago. Last year’s…

In the volatile and complex landscape of Somali politics, the prospect of extending President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term has sparked significant debate among Somali elites. However, considering the ongoing struggle against Al Shabab and the crucial need to rebuild Somali institutions, extending his presidency emerges as a strategic necessity according to civil society and much of Somali public opinion. Continuity in Leadership is Key Frequent leadership changes can impede progress in fragile states with precarious political stability. The current four-year term for the President of Somalia, half of which has already passed, may be insufficient to make substantial gains in…

 Col. Mahdi Omar Mumin, born in Cadaado, Galgaduud region, and raised in Mogadishu, has become a key figure in the fight against Al-Shabaab and broader security efforts in Somalia’s capital. His journey from a young student in Mogadishu to the forefront of national security underscores his dedication and expertise.Mahdi’s academic path led to a university education in Mogadishu, followed by advanced intelligence and special operations training in various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Turkey. Joining the Somali security forces in 2009, he steadily rose to colonel in the national intelligence agency.During his tenure with the intelligence agency,…

Ethiopia’s interest in Somali territories is not a recent phenomenon but a historical pursuit that has endured for over two millennia. This pursuit can be traced back to ancient times when the Aksumite Empire, a precursor to modern-day Ethiopia, extended its influence into the Somali region. The collapse of the Somali government in 1991 presented Ethiopia with an opportunity to advance its strategic interests by establishing administrations and groups within Somali territories. This move effectively partitioned the Somali regions into South Somalia, under the control of warlords, and Somaliland in the north, which declared itself an independent government. The emergence…