Somali Military Intelligence and Clan Collaboration Successfully Prevents Illegal Weapon Smuggling from Ethiopia
Somali military intelligence has effectively utilized local clan support to stop illegal weapons from entering Somalia through the Ethiopian border. In a coordinated effort, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and national military intelligence units have been deployed across multiple regions, including Togdheer, Sool, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, SouthWest, and Jubaland. A number of units have been placed in the Gedo region, where these intelligence units are actively monitoring and securing the border.
Today, Somali forces, in collaboration with local clans, successfully intercepted illegal arms shipments in both the Bakool and Hiran regions, particularly in the town of Qurac Joome. The latest operation took place in this region, where a convoy of trucks carrying illegal weapons was halted. According to a Facebook post by elders from the Jajeelo clan, they confronted Ethiopian officials escorting the convoy. They firmly stated that the shipment would not be allowed to enter Somalia.
Local clans living in the border areas have played a crucial role in these efforts, acting as first responders to prevent weapons smuggling by smugglers or through official Ethiopian channels. Somali military intelligence has also enlisted the help of Somali clans residing on the Ethiopian side of the border, who share ethnic ties with Somalis, to report any suspicious or illegal activities in their areas.
This collaboration has allowed Somali intelligence agencies to receive numerous tips and information, disrupting several weapon smuggling operations. As the Somali military intensifies its campaign against Al-Shabaab in the Bay, Gedo, Galgaduud, and Mudug regions, securing the border to prevent the flow of weapons from Ethiopia has become an even greater priority.
By strengthening border security and enlisting the support of local clans, Somalia is making significant strides in preventing illegal arms from entering the country and hindering the operations of terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.