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Somalia at the Center of Regional and Global Power Competition

Staff Reporter — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:10:07 +0000

Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa have increasingly become a focal point for regional and international competition, as major powers seek influence over strategic waterways, ports, trade routes, security partnerships and political developments across the region.

Analysts say the growing rivalry involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Egypt and Qatar is becoming more visible in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Somalia, whose location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea shipping corridor gives it significant geopolitical importance.

The region sits astride some of the world’s busiest maritime routes, making it a critical arena for both economic and security interests.

Ethiopia has emerged as a central player in this competition due to its long-standing pursuit of reliable access to the sea.

That ambition has direct implications for Somalia, especially amid disputes surrounding Somali territorial integrity and Ethiopia’s relations with Somaliland.

At the same time, Egypt remains deeply invested in developments in the Horn because of concerns over Red Sea security and its broader dispute with Ethiopia over the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Türkiye has steadily expanded its political, economic and security footprint in Somalia over the past decade, becoming one of Mogadishu’s closest international partners.

Meanwhile, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye all view Somalia as an important part of the broader strategic contest unfolding across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The United Arab Emirates has also maintained extensive economic and security ties throughout the Horn of Africa.

Investments in ports such as Berbera and Bosaso, as well as interest in regional trade corridors, have made Somalia and neighboring territories important components of Abu Dhabi’s regional strategy.

Competition over ports, logistics hubs and military access points has become a defining feature of the wider Red Sea geopolitical landscape.

The United States continues to view Somalia primarily through a security lens, focusing on counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS while also protecting international shipping routes through the Gulf of Aden.

Washington’s engagement is therefore tied not only to Somalia’s internal security but also to broader strategic concerns surrounding Red Sea stability.

Israel has also become increasingly visible in regional calculations, particularly following its growing engagement with Somaliland and its wider interests in Red Sea security.

These developments have drawn close attention from Mogadishu, which remains sensitive to any diplomatic or geopolitical shifts affecting Somalia’s territorial unity and regional position.

Eritrea, with its long Red Sea coastline and proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, remains another key strategic actor.

Recent analyses suggest that changes in Eritrea’s relations with global powers could influence the broader balance of power in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin.

Qatar likewise continues to maintain political and economic interests in Somalia.

The Gulf rivalry that once pitted Doha against Saudi Arabia and the UAE had a noticeable impact on Somali politics, highlighting how external regional disputes can spill into domestic political dynamics.

Despite the growing competition, analysts caution against portraying Somalia as a direct battlefield for foreign powers. There is limited evidence that these states are engaged in a proxy war inside Somalia.

What is clear, however, is that their political, economic, security and strategic interests in the country continue to expand.

The challenge facing Somalia is how to benefit from these competing interests without allowing them to deepen domestic divisions.

Observers warn that if external actors increasingly align with rival political factions, federal member states or the central government, internal disputes could become more difficult to resolve and take on a broader international dimension.

Somalia today occupies a uniquely strategic position.

It is simultaneously confronting the threats posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIS, navigating political disagreements between the federal government and regional administrations, and finding itself at the center of competition over ports, trade routes, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

For Somali policymakers, the key question is no longer simply which foreign partners support Somalia, but how the country can leverage international interest to advance national priorities while avoiding becoming an arena for competing external agendas.

As regional rivalries continue to intensify, Somalia’s strategic value is likely to grow. Its long coastline, proximity to major shipping lanes and position near the Red Sea make it increasingly important to regional and global powers.

Yet that importance also carries risks. Without a unified national strategy and strong institutions, external competition could become intertwined with Somalia’s internal political, security and economic challenges.

For that reason, analysts argue that Somalia’s future will depend not only on its ability to manage domestic issues, but also on how effectively it navigates the increasingly complex geopolitical competition shaping the Horn of Africa.

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Puntland Forces Press On With Anti-ISIS Operations in Al Miskaad

Staff Reporter — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:01:11 +0000

Puntland security forces have launched a new phase of military operations in the Al Miskaad mountain range of Bari region, targeting remaining ISIS militants believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain, according to local military officials.

Col. Mahmoud Shire Mohamed, commander of the Al Miskaad sector, said Puntland troops have begun large-scale operations across several locations in the mountains as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate ISIS strongholds. .

He also reported that a foreign ISIS fighter detonated himself after being wounded by Puntland forces while allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device on the road linking Sheebaab and Dhaadaar.

The incident highlights the continuing threat posed by ISIS remnants in the region.

Although Puntland authorities say the group has suffered major setbacks, militants are still believed to possess the capability to conduct roadside bomb attacks and suicide operations.

The latest offensive follows months of sustained military pressure on ISIS positions in the Bari mountains.

A report presented to the United Nations Security Council in August stated that Puntland’s operations had significantly weakened the group’s military, financial and territorial capabilities.

According to the UN assessment, ISIS-Somalia is now estimated to have between 150 and 250 fighters remaining, most of them believed to be concentrated in the Al Miskaad mountains.

The United Nations noted that the figures are based on expert monitoring assessments rather than direct battlefield verification.

For years, the Al Miskaad range has served as the primary stronghold of ISIS in Somalia.

Its harsh terrain, steep mountains and extensive cave networks have provided militants with natural cover, making military operations particularly challenging for Puntland forces.

The United States has also conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in the area, supporting broader efforts to degrade the group’s operational capabilities in northeastern Somalia.

Despite reports that ISIS has been significantly weakened, security analysts warn that the group remains capable of exploiting the mountainous landscape to regroup, evade capture and launch ambushes against advancing forces.

The continued threat from landmines and suicide attacks has also kept Puntland troops on high alert.

Military officials say the objective of the latest operations is to clear the remaining ISIS pockets from the mountains and prevent the group from rebuilding its presence in the region.

While Puntland claims substantial progress in the campaign, the battle for Cal Miskaad remains far from over.

The conflict has entered a new phase in which ISIS is believed to be weaker than before, but still capable of mounting dangerous attacks from its remaining hideouts in one of Somalia’s most difficult and strategic battlegrounds.

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Fear Grips Baidoa as Gunfire Erupts Across Neighborhoods, Civilians Shelter in Mosques

Staff Reporter — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:53:45 +0000

Fear and uncertainty spread across Baidoa on Thursday night after gunfire was reported in several parts of the city, prompting some residents to seek shelter in mosques while others moved their families to areas they believed were safer.

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed large numbers of people gathered inside mosques across the Bay region capital.

Residents said many families, including women and children, spent the night in the facilities amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation following recent clashes in and around the city.

Local sources told Kaab TV that armed personnel were seen in several neighborhoods, contributing to fears among residents.

Some reports identified the forces as being affiliated with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, although these claims have not been independently verified.

Witnesses said gunfire was heard in parts of Baidoa overnight, creating widespread anxiety among civilians already shaken by recent fighting.

Reports also suggested that areas around the livestock market, Suuqa Xoolaha, were not fully under the control of security forces, with armed men reportedly moving through some locations.

According to residents, some of the armed individuals advised civilians to seek shelter and remain indoors, further heightening concerns that new clashes or unrest could erupt inside the city.

The situation has disrupted normal life, with many residents limiting their movements and closely monitoring developments. Families were seen relocating children and elderly relatives as a precaution amid fears that violence could spread to additional neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, reports from the outskirts of Baidoa indicated that an airstrike was reported in the Buulo Fulaay area outside the city, although details surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Residents say their main concern is preventing the situation from escalating into another large-scale confrontation inside Baidoa, which could endanger civilians and disrupt essential services.

Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement addressing the overnight security concerns, leaving many residents waiting for clarification as tensions remain high across the city.

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South West State Accuses Turkey of using F-16 Fighter Jets In Support of Federal Troops in Baidoa

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:16:23 +0000

South West State has accused Türkiye of directly intervening in the ongoing conflict in Baidoa, alleging that Turkish F-16 fighter jets carried out air operations in support of forces aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia during clashes on September 3.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the South West State Ministry of Information, the administration condemned what it described as an “unacceptable military intervention” by Ankara in an internal Somali political conflict.

The statement claimed Turkish warplanes entered the conflict zone between approximately 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and targeted forces loyal to South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen.”

According to the administration, the targeted forces were attempting to restore what it called the legitimate authority of South West State in Baidoa, which it said had recently come under the control of an administration backed by the Federal Government.

South West State alleged that Türkiye’s deployment of combat aircraft marked a departure from its long-standing role as a strategic partner and counterterrorism ally of Somalia.

The administration argued that the operation was not directed against Al-Shabaab or any other militant group, but instead against Somali political forces involved in a domestic dispute.

“The forces targeted were neither Al-Shabaab nor any terrorist organization,” the statement said. “Türkiye abandoned the neutrality expected of an international partner and became a direct participant in the conflict.”

The administration further argued that Turkish military cooperation in Somalia was originally intended to strengthen the country’s security institutions and support the fight against terrorism, not to influence internal political outcomes.

Demands for Explanation

South West State called on the Turkish government to immediately cease all military operations related to the conflict in South West State and demanded a public explanation regarding the reported deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Baidoa.

The administration also requested that Ankara disclose the political and military authorities who authorized the operation and provide the legal basis for the use of Turkish combat aircraft in what it described as an internal Somali political conflict.

In addition, South West State demanded guarantees that Turkish military assets would not be used again against Somali political actors or in future domestic political disputes.

Appeal to International Community

The statement urged the United Nations, African Union, European Union, United States, NATO, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international partners to condemn the alleged intervention and launch an independent investigation into the incident.

South West State said any investigation should determine who authorized the operation, the chain of command involved, the legal justification for the airstrikes and their consequences.

The administration also argued that foreign military involvement in domestic political disputes risks deepening divisions, undermining Somalia’s federal system and setting a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.

No Response Yet From Türkiye

As of publication, Türkiye had not publicly responded to the allegations, and there has been no independent verification that Turkish aircraft conducted airstrikes in Baidoa.

The Federal Government of Somalia has also not issued an official statement addressing the claims.

The accusations come amid escalating tensions and heavy fighting in Baidoa between forces loyal to President Laftagareen and troops aligned with the Federal Government and parliamentary leadership.

If confirmed, the allegations would mark one of the most serious disputes in recent years between South West State and Türkiye, a country that has been among Somalia’s closest security, military and development partners for more than a decade.

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Jubaland Says Doolow Strike Was Politically Motivated, Seeks Arms Embargo Review

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:52:23 +0000

Jubaland has called for the United Nations arms embargo on Somalia to be reviewed and potentially reimposed, following a deadly airstrike in Doolow that it alleges was carried out by Turkey and targeted the residence of former Somali Custodial Corps commander Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, widely known as Commander Shub.

In a statement issued by the Jubaland Ministry of Information, the administration claimed the strike wounded Gen. Mahad and killed civilians, including individuals reportedly working at or residing near the property.

Jubaland further alleged that the attack was politically motivated and linked to ongoing disagreements between the Federal Government of Somalia and political actors opposed to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

The regional administration accused Turkey of abandoning its neutral role in Somalia and argued that the strike was an act of retaliation connected to political disputes rather than counterterrorism operations.

“From now on, we will no longer consider Turkey a neutral party,” the statement said.

Jubaland urged the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, United States, European Union and other international partners to launch an independent investigation into the incident and reassess military assistance provided to Somalia.

The administration warned that weapons supplied to the country could be used in internal political conflicts and clan-based violence in southern Somalia rather than exclusively for security operations.

The statement described the incident as evidence that Somalia’s political crisis is deepening and claimed that continued arms transfers risk fueling further instability.

Jubaland argued that international partners should reconsider existing security arrangements to prevent weapons from being used in domestic conflicts.

Turkey has not publicly commented on the allegations, and there has been no independent verification of who carried out the strike.

The Federal Government of Somalia has also not issued an official statement regarding the incident.

The call represents a significant escalation in tensions between Jubaland and Ankara, which has been one of Somalia’s closest security and defense partners for more than a decade.

The airstrike and the competing claims surrounding it are likely to intensify scrutiny of Somalia’s security partnerships and the increasingly polarized political landscape in the country.

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Chinese Navy Holds Anti-Piracy Drill Off Somalia’s Coast

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:32:50 +0000

The Chinese Navy has conducted an anti-piracy military exercise off the coast of Somalia, as concerns grow over a recent resurgence of pirate attacks and vessel hijackings in Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden.

The drill was carried out by the Chinese Navy’s 49th Escort Task Force and focused on testing rapid-response capabilities in the event of a ship hijacking.

Participating forces simulated counter-piracy operations, including vessel boarding, pirate apprehension, and the rescue of crew members.

The exercise comes amid a noticeable increase in piracy-related incidents in the region. On August 17, the cargo vessel MV LUTUF was reportedly hijacked off the Puntland coast.

Just days later, on August 20, an oil tanker identified as Sibu 1 was seized off the coast of Yemen and was reportedly redirected toward Somalia.

The recent incidents have renewed concerns about maritime security along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, which connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Gulf of Aden.

China has maintained a continuous naval presence in the region since 2008, conducting escort missions and counter-piracy operations aimed at protecting international shipping and deterring pirate activity in Somali waters and nearby sea lanes.

Chinese officials say the latest exercise was designed to strengthen operational readiness and ensure naval forces can respond effectively to emerging maritime security threats in the region.

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Puntland Launches Major ISIS Offensive in Almiskaad

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:35:06 +0000

The Commander of Puntland’s Almiskaad Operations Zone, Colonel Mahmoud Shire Mohamed, has provided an update on ongoing military operations targeting ISIS militants hiding in the Almiskaad mountain range in Somalia’s Bari region.

Speaking about recent developments, Col. Mahmoud Shire said an ISIS-linked foreign fighter detonated himself on Wednesday night after being wounded by Puntland security forces.

According to the commander, the militant was attempting to plant a roadside bomb along the route connecting the Sheebaab and Dhaadaar areas when troops engaged him.

The commander said Puntland forces injured the suspect before he carried out the planned attack, leading him to trigger the explosives he was carrying.

The incident is part of a broader campaign against armed extremist groups operating in the rugged mountainous terrain of Almiskaad.

Meanwhile, Puntland forces have launched what officials describe as a large-scale military offensive against ISIS positions across several areas of the Almiskaad mountains.

The operations are aimed at clearing militant hideouts and disrupting the group’s activities in the region.

The latest offensive comes as Puntland has intensified its military campaign against ISIS in recent months, particularly in the mountainous areas of Bari, which have long served as a key refuge for the group’s fighters.

Authorities say operations are continuing, with security forces pursuing remaining militants and working to dismantle their networks in the region.

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Baidoa Clashes Kills 12, Commander Dahir Moallin Hassan Among The Dead

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:21:00 +0000

At least 12 people were reportedly killed and several others wounded after heavy fighting erupted in Baidoa on Thursday between forces loyal to South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” and troops aligned with the Federal Government and the camp led by Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Aden Madobe).

The clashes began in the early morning hours, with intense gunfire and heavy weapons fire reported across several parts of the city.

Residents described a tense security situation as fighting spread through multiple neighborhoods, including Towfiiq, Bukriye, Baalyaale, Alfaras, Boonkaay and Al-Ahmar.

According to local reports, forces loyal to Laftagareen launched a multi-front offensive on the city, triggering fierce street battles.

Civilians were forced to remain indoors as gunfire and explosions echoed across affected areas, while conflicting claims emerged over which side controlled key neighborhoods.

Among those reportedly killed was Dahir Moallin Hassan, said to have been the head of security for Sheikh Aden Madobe.

Sources in Baidoa also reported casualties on both sides of the conflict, although the exact breakdown of military and civilian deaths has not been independently verified.

Hospitals in the city were reportedly overwhelmed with casualties suffering from gunshot wounds and other injuries sustained during the fighting. Because the clashes occurred inside populated areas, concerns remain high that the civilian death toll could rise.

Later reports indicated that some of the Laftagareen-aligned forces that had advanced into the city withdrew from positions they had earlier captured after suffering casualties.

Reports of deaths and injuries among the attacking forces have also emerged, though exact figures remain unclear.

Witnesses said military aircraft were seen flying over Baidoa during the clashes. However, the purpose of the flights and the identity of the aircraft have not been officially confirmed.

The Federal Government has maintained that military operations in South West State are linked to the broader campaign against Al-Shabaab, while opponents describe the fighting as a confrontation between government-backed forces and troops loyal to Laftagareen.

Several civilian homes were reportedly damaged during the clashes, and fires were reported in parts of the city. Many families remained trapped inside their homes as fighting continued throughout the day.

The situation in Baidoa remains fluid, and casualty figures, damage assessments, and battlefield developments could change as more information becomes available.

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Deadly Minneapolis Shooting Claims Life, Injures Others

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:12:23 +0000

The incident also left three Minneapolis police officers injured. According to police spokesperson Garret Parten, two officers suffered gunshot wounds, while a third sustained minor injuries. All three were transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman is dead, although officials have not yet released details about how he died. Investigators are working to establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

Emergency responders and law enforcement officers quickly secured the area following the shooting and conducted searches of the building and surrounding locations.

Officials have not yet disclosed a motive, and it remains unclear whether the attack was linked to a personal dispute, a broader criminal act, or another cause.

Police have also not released the identity of the suspect and are investigating whether he acted alone or had any accomplices. The shooting has shaken residents in the area and renewed concerns about gun violence and public safety in the United States.

Authorities emphasized that there is currently no indication the incident was an act of terrorism.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials expect to release additional information in the coming days regarding the victims, the suspect, and the motive behind the attack.

Minneapolis police have urged the public to rely on official updates as investigators continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

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Commander Shub Lightly Wounded in Airstrike on Doolow

Staff Reporter — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:08:38 +0000

Former Somali Prison Service Commander General Mahad Abdirahman Aden, widely known as Taliye Shub, was reportedly injured in an airstrike that targeted his residence in Doolow district, Gedo region, on Thursday night.

According to local sources, the strike hit the house where Taliye Shub had been staying, causing extensive damage to the building.

Preliminary reports indicate that he was outside the house when the airstrike occurred, reportedly resting on a bed in the compound, a circumstance that may have spared him from the full impact of the explosion.

Witnesses said the blast caused significant destruction, with large sections of the residence collapsing. Taliye Shub was reportedly wounded by shrapnel and debris, although early reports describe his injuries as minor.

He was later transported to Doolow General Hospital, where he received medical treatment. Sources familiar with the situation said his condition is stable.

Reports from the area indicate that at least three people were killed in the strike.

Some accounts identified the victims as two individuals believed to be close associates or staff members of Taliye Shub, along with an Ethiopian woman who was reportedly working at the residence.

The reported death toll has not yet been independently verified.

Following the attack, Ethiopian troops stationed in Doolow reportedly secured the area and tightened security around the damaged property.

Doolow, located near the Somalia-Ethiopia border, is a strategically important town, making any major security incident there particularly significant.

The South West State administration aligned with President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen accused Turkish military aircraft of carrying out the strike, though no official confirmation has been issued regarding the identity of those responsible.

The incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of the already fragile political and security situation in southern Somalia, particularly in Gedo region, where tensions between rival political and military factions remain high.

General Mahad Abdirahman Aden previously served as Commander of the Somali Custodial Corps and held several senior military positions during his career.

In March 2026, Somalia’s Council of Ministers removed him from the position of Prison Service Commander and appointed Major General Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud as his successor.

Authorities have yet to provide an official account of the strike, and questions remain over its intended target, the circumstances surrounding the attack, and the final casualty figures.

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