MOGADISHU — The Somali government has announced preparations for the second phase of its military offensive against al-Shabaab, with the aim of reclaiming all remaining territories under the militant group’s control.
The announcement was made by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, during a visit to frontline troops stationed in the Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.
Speaking alongside the Chief of the Somali National Armed Forces at Wargadhi Air Base in the Middle Shabelle region, Fiqi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defeating al-Shabaab, stressing that military operations would continue despite the United States’ decision to end logistical funding for African Union peacekeepers supporting Somali security forces.
“There is no turning back,” the defense minister said. “We will return to every location where we lost our commanders and soldiers. We must reclaim those areas. The plans are already in place, and the operation is progressing. We are moving from defensive positions back onto the offensive and will continue pursuing our enemy, just as we did during the operations that began in early 2022, when hundreds of militants surrendered.”
The minister’s remarks signal a renewed push by Somali forces to intensify operations against al-Shabaab after recent setbacks in parts of central Somalia. Government officials say the upcoming phase will focus on clearing the remaining militant-held areas while strengthening security gains made during previous campaigns.
The Somali government, backed by local forces and international partners, has been engaged in a sustained military campaign against al-Shabaab since 2022, seeking to weaken the group’s operational capabilities and restore government authority across the country.
