The Somali army has announced the killing of more than 50 members of the “Khawarij militia” in a joint operation conducted with forces described as international. The operation took place in the Tabqalah area, located between the city of Masagaway and the town of Owsoine in the Galgaduud region, central Somalia.
According to the Somali News Agency, military sources reported that the operation targeted prominent militia leaders following intelligence information. The Somali army and local police forces took control of the area after the operation, with ongoing sweep operations to track down remaining armed pockets attempting to escape.
In a further development, the Somali Armed Forces announced new victories in recent days, successfully driving the militias out of the area of Bribal in the Bulo Burde district of Hiran region, as well as taking control of areas in the state of Jubaland.
The security situation in Somalia remains precarious, marked by persistent threats from Al-Shabaab and ongoing military efforts to stabilize the region. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has been gradually reducing its troop presence, having withdrawn 2,000 of an estimated 20,000 forces as part of its scheduled drawdown by late 2024. Despite this, Somalia faces significant challenges in maintaining security, particularly with the anticipated withdrawal of additional troops, which the Somali government has requested to be delayed.
Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat, conducting frequent attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombings, and targeted killings. These actions continue to result in a high number of civilian casualties and pose a severe threat to the peace and security of the region.
On the political front, Somalia is undergoing crucial reforms, including security sector reforms and constitutional review, which are central to its state-building process. These reforms are supported by international stakeholders who emphasize the importance of inclusive dialogue and consensus among all parties to address national priorities
The humanitarian situation remains dire, with the combined effects of conflict and climatic events necessitating scaled-up international assistance. The international community, including the European Union, has committed significant resources to aid Somalia, although challenges in funding and coordination persist.
