The attack targeted a military base used by the elite Danab special forces.

According to the Ministry of Defence, government troops temporarily withdrew from the area in a tactical move, allowing for a swift counteroffensive that successfully pushed back the militants.

“After regrouping, our forces launched a decisive response and dealt a significant blow to the enemy. Wargaadhi is now firmly under the control of the Somali National Army and local partners,” said Defence Ministry spokesperson Abukar Macalim.

In a statement issued later by the Ministry of Information, officials confirmed that over 40 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during a coordinated operation in Wargaadhi and the nearby area of Labigoley.

The government described the response as a “successful counterterrorism effort” aimed at neutralizing threats in the region.

Security officials have confirmed that the situation in Wargaadhi and surrounding areas has returned to normal, with government forces maintaining a strong presence on the ground.

Al-Shabaab, in a separate claim, said it had briefly taken control of the base, burned it down, and killed Danab soldiers.

However, those claims have not been independently verified, and the Somali government has not responded directly to the group’s statement.

Wargaadhi lies roughly 189 kilometers north of Mogadishu and has been a strategic location in the ongoing fight against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgency.

The government has pledged to continue its offensive against Al-Shabaab across the country as part of a broader national security campaign.

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The UK announced an additional $3.9 million contribution to the United Nations-administered SSF Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), currently supports 18,900 personnel from the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, along with providing casualty evacuations (CASEVAC) for hundreds of wounded personnel.

The latest contribution will ensure continued delivery of this vital logistical support.

UNSOS requires a minimum of $2 million per month to support the planned increase in SSF personnel from 18,900 to 20,900, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024).

Additional funding is urgently needed, especially for UNSOS’s life-saving CASEVAC operations during ongoing military campaigns.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition, emphasizing the importance of enabling UNSOS to continue its essential support to the SSF.

Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, says the contribution shows The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment.

“I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” Nithavrianakis said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, also emphasized the importance of the Trust Fund and the government’s commitment to using it responsibly.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been significant for the Somali Security Forces, particularly in CASEVAC and MEDEVAC. We urge donors to increase funding in 2025 as the FGS continues to generate new forces,” said Mr. Ali.

Theft of food and fuel

Somalia has a history of aid diversion, including theft of food and fuel intended for its security forces, provided by international partners.

Last year, the U.S. government cut rations and fuel support to the elite Danab forces after Washington discovered that supplies had been misappropriated.

However, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, says the government is committed to doing better this time.

“I reiterate the Somali government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the use of these resources,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali.

The Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised the UK’s continued support while the air evacuation remains vital for injured soldiers.

“I remain grateful to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the SSF during the ongoing transition. CASEVAC operations have saved lives and boosted the morale of the Somali forces. It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund, and I urge partners to also contribute as we support Somalia’s security transition,” said Kacyira.

This latest UK contribution builds on earlier funding, bringing the total UK support to more than $50 million since 2021. In February 2025, the UK contributed £5 million, following earlier donations of £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023.

The funding comes at a time of growing concern, as Al-Shabaab militants have advanced toward Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The group has begun encircling the city, raising fears of a possible assault and the potential for the capital to fall under militant control.

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The move comes amid recent territorial advances by Al Shabab militants, which have intensified internal debate within the administration over whether to scale back or ramp up U.S. engagement in Somalia.

Al Shabab, an Al Qaeda affiliate, is also believed to be developing ties with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, raising further concerns about regional instability and transnational threats.

Some officials at the U.S. State Department, cited by the Times, have advocated for a full withdrawal of embassy personnel as a precaution, fearing a potential Benghazi-style attack.

Others within the National Security Council oppose the move, warning that it could lead to the collapse of Somalia’s already fragile federal government.

They instead call for increased U.S. involvement, including greater military and intelligence support.

In early March, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued a security alert warning of an imminent Al Shabab attack, urging vigilance among U.S. citizens and personnel.

Embassy staff reportedly relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, shortly after the warning.

On March 18, Al Shabab carried out a large-scale bombing in Mogadishu, killing at least 20 people, including prominent Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud narrowly escaped the attack, which marked one of the deadliest in recent months.

Despite the security risks, the State Department maintains that the Mogadishu embassy remains “fully operational” and that threat assessments are ongoing.

However, with Al Shabab regaining control of key rural territories and inching closer to the capital, fears of a forced evacuation persist—though analysts note that heavy rains have temporarily halted the group’s advances.

The Trump administration’s internal rift reflects broader anxieties fueled by the 2012 Libya’s  Benghazi attack and the 2021 fall of Afghanistan’s Kabul to Taliban, with critics accusing the White House of lacking a coherent strategy for Somalia.

Counterterrorism adviser Sebastian Gorka, a hardliner, reportedly chaired a recent interagency meeting where the issue was discussed but no clear decision was reached.

Gorka is pushing for intensified drone strikes and air raids, warning that any drawdown would hand Somalia over to extremists.

Somalia’s security forces are said to be in disarray, with some units deserting to their clans and others being killed in clashes with Al Shabab.

The U.S. has spent years training Somalia’s elite Danab commandos and supporting them with air power, but those efforts have largely stalled.

President Mohamud has been accused of alienating key political allies, further weakening the government’s hold.

One controversial proposal being discussed is relocating U.S. operations to a Soviet-era airbase in Somaliland, the self-declared independent region in northern Somalia.

Although President Mohamud reportedly offered the base to the U.S., the Somali government does not control the area.

Al Shabab remains a potent force in the region. Since pledging allegiance to Al Qaeda in 2012, the group has launched deadly attacks beyond Somalia’s borders, including the 2013 Westgate Mall massacre in Nairobi and the 2020 assault on the Manda Bay U.S. military base in Kenya.

U.S. Africa Command is also monitoring possible cooperation between Al Shabab and the Houthis, as regional instability continues to grow.

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Students like Binti Abshir fondly recall his dedication and intellect as ‘tireless instructor’.

But in 2020, Ismail chose a different path, joining Danab, Somalia’s elite U.S.-trained military force.

With intense and rigorous training, 27-year-old Ismail took part in numerous high-risk operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan regions.

One particularly daring raid in September 2022 saw Danab commandos eliminate 11 Al-Shabaab militants during an overnight operation in Buq Aqable, Hiiraan Province.

Despite the ever-present dangers, Ismail remained steadfast. However, tragedy struck in January 2023 during a dawn raid in Gal’ad District, central Somalia, when Major Hassan Mohamed Osman (Hassan Tuure), Danab’s deputy commander and Ismail’s close ally, was killed.

The two had worked side by side on critical operations, often coordinating efforts with U.S. advisors on the ground.

Ismail himself narrowly escaped death during a 2022 operation in Lower Shabelle when militants detonated an IED, leaving him critically injured. Yet, his resilience never wavered.

In February 2024, Ismail and his comrades secured Jowhar airport, a region heavily influenced by Al-Shabaab, after the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal government signed a $100 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct five military bases for Danab, before it was put on hold.

These bases were meant to recruit, train, and equip 3,000 soldiers from across Somalia, building a sustainable light infantry capability within the Somali National Army (SNA).

However, by September 2024, Ismail’s service had taken a toll.

Months of unpaid wages, inadequate food, lack of healthcare, and the denial of his promotion due to corruption and nepotism left him disillusioned.

“It was time to quit,” said a family member, noting Ismail’s frustration with a military he had once served with pride.

Food rations suspended 

In April 2024, the United States suspended food rations for Danab following a corruption scandal. An investigation revealed that food and fuel meant for Danab had been resold on the black market.

Companies linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family were implicated in these contracts.

This scandal left soldiers like Ismail struggling to survive.

“Even after leaving the army, Ismail feared staying in Mogadishu,” a family member shared. “Militants could hunt him down, and government officials unhappy with his decision might target him.”

Corruption within Somalia’s military remains a significant obstacle, undermining professionalism and morale.

Soldiers frequently report that promotions are determined by clan affiliations or political connections rather than merit.

Additionally, the inclusion of recruits without thorough background checks has further compromised the military’s integrity.

Hoping to reach Europe 

With no viable options, Ismail sold his pistol—his last valuable possession—and used the funds, along with help from friends, to flee Somalia.

In late September 2024, he embarked on a dangerous journey facilitated by merciless human traffickers through Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Libyan desert, hoping to reach Europe.

However, the journey turned tragic. While trekking through the Libyan desert in December, Ismail’s group was ambushed by robbers who stole their food and water. His previous injuries worsened, and he contracted severe diarrhea.

Left behind by his group, Ismail succumbed to illness and dehydration in December 20.

Friends and colleagues expressed their grief on social media.

“Ismail was an officer oppressed by his own country. May God give him his reward in Jannah,” wrote Nur Mohamud.

Mohamud Abdi stated: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. A young man with pride has his life cut short. O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, honor his abode, and expand his entrance.”

The Somali defence ministry declined to comment on Ismail’s case.

Corruption, nepotism, and the absence of accountability continue to undermine Somalia’s security and erode trust, even within elite units like Danab.

Unless the lack of accountability at the highest levels of leadership is addressed, the sacrifices of soldiers like Ismail Moalim Buule will go unrecognized, and the cycle of inefficiency and neglect will persist, further jeopardizing the country’s stability.

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The Chief of Staff of the Somali National Army, in a surprising move, relieved Commander Danab Ahmed Abdullahi Noor, commonly known as “Beeryare,” who hails from the Habargedir/Ayr clan. He was promptly replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Aidarus Mohamed Hussein, a member of the Habargedir/Sa’ad clan.

The abrupt change in command within the Danab forces has intensified existing tensions and suspicions, as the replacement commander has swiftly become associated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Mahad Salad.

Politicians and clan elders wasted no time in raising concerns over the reshuffling, viewing it as an attempt to exert control over the Danab force and exploit it for political and clan agendas.

Suspicions surrounding the leadership change have deepened since the untimely death of Major Hassan Mohamed Osman, affectionately known as Hassan Tuure. Major Tuure, the battle-tested deputy commander who led the Danab brigade to numerous victories in the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia, tragically fell victim to an Al-Shabaab twin car bombing in Galcad town on January 20 of this year.

The Danab Brigade, also known as the Lightning Brigade, stands as a vital component of the Somali National Army’s (SNA) counterinsurgency efforts. This commando force was established in 2014 with the support of the United States, aiming to enhance the capabilities of Somali security forces in combating extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.

The commandos have garnered acclaim for their successful operations, including the apprehension of senior Al-Shabaab leaders and the disruption of the group’s activities in southern Somalia.

However, the unit has not been immune to controversy. Stationed in three different locations: Baledogle, Kismayo, and Galkayo, each division is commanded by an officer hailing from influential clans, a factor that has historically raised suspicions among other clans and pushed the rival clans to the side.

In August 2016, the Danab forces, originating from Baledogle Airport and representing the Hawiye and Rahanweyn clans, briefly took control of the north Galkayo airport, triggering concerns from the Puntland regional administration. Puntland deployed its own troops to the airport, nearly resulting in an armed confrontation.

Tragically, in March of this year, Mohamed Aden Suleiman, a battalion commander within the Danab Brigade who received training in the United States, lost his life while engaged in combat in Laascaanood between the Dhulbahahte clan fighters and the Somaliland, a force dominated by the Isaq clanmen.

The recent leadership shake-up within the Danab Brigade underscores the challenges faced by Somalia in navigating clan dynamics and potential political interference within its security forces.  As the country struggles with serious security challenges, the citizens’ hope to gain Somalia that can establish a cohesive and inclusive security apparatus that engenders trust seems yet unattainable.

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The operation in the small town, located approximately 105 kilometers north of Kismayo, was marked by intense gunfighting and subsequent explosions. However, the joint forces later withdrew from Xagar, allowing Al-Shabaab to regain control, as confirmed by local sources.

In a separate development, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) reported conducting three collective self-defense airstrikes in a remote area near Afmadow, targeting Al-Shabaab.

AFRICOM says its initial assessment indicates that the airstrikes resulted in the deaths of 10 Al-Shabaab terrorists, with no reported civilian casualties.

Al-Shabaab, on the other hand, claimed to have killed nine Somali soldiers during the battle on Sunday.

These recent events highlight the ongoing military efforts against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, with joint forces conducting operations to combat the insurgent group.

While the raid in Xagar resulted in a temporary retreat of the militants, the subsequent withdrawal allowed them to regain control, demonstrating the challenges faced in maintaining security operations in the remote rural places.

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According to Somaliland ministry of defense, these forces have joined forces with the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group with the intention of destabilizing and destroying Somaliland.

The ministry released a statement on Wednesday expressing concerns over the involvement of these forces.

It stated, “Our intelligence sources have unequivocally confirmed that the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), trained by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to combat terrorist groups and pirates operating in Puntland-State of Somalia, has now joined this malevolent alliance. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the participation of Puntland-State of Somalia soldiers, who were trained by the USA to combat terrorism and piracy but are now involved in attacks against Somaliland.”

Somaliland claims to have been subjected to relentless attacks and ongoing efforts to destabilize the region by a coalition consisting of forces from “Puntland State of Somalia, terrorist groups, militias from Laascaanood, and Somalia soldiers trained in Eritrea”.

This is not the first time such allegations have been made by Somaliland. Puntland has previously denied involvement in the conflict in Laascaanood, despite members of the Daarood clan militia from Puntland joining forces with their fellow Dhulbahahte in Laascaanood.

Meanwhile, the U.S.-trained Somali National Army brigade, Danab, stated that they are not participating in the conflict in Laascaanood, which they described as a “clan conflict.”

Commander Ahmed Abdulahi Beeryare, of Danab, stated, “The primary objective of the Danab Unit within the Somali National Army is to fight against terrorist organizations within Somalia. Danab will remain fully committed to this objective and will not engage in any clan conflicts or clan-related affairs.”

However, evidence has emerged indicating that a U.S.-trained Danab officer, Mohamed Sulaiman, joined the fighters in Laascaanood and was killed in the fighting in March.

Commander Beeryare responded by saying, “It is necessary to clarify that the individual referred to in recent reports, Mohamed Sulaiman, was a former officer within the SNA Danab who left in 2021 for personal reasons.”

There have been no immediate comments from the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Africa Command regarding the new allegations made by Somaliland. The UAE Embassy in Somalia has not responded to the statement from Somaliland’s ministry of defense.

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