The extremist group has also escalated attacks inside Mogadishu, launching a series of deadly mortar bombardments and bombings that have raised fears among residents and exposed vulnerabilities in the city’s security apparatus.

Amid this deepening crisis, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last week proposed a national platform to unite federal government institutions, regional states, and opposition groups in the fight against terrorism.

However, the initiative has yet to materialize, and political divisions remain stark — with at least two Federal Member States reportedly refusing to recognize his administration, which critics say is increasingly isolated in Mogadishu.

In response, Somalia’s international partners have welcomed the president’s call for a unified political and community platform, urging Somali leaders to take swift and coordinated action against the militant threat.

“A unified and inclusive strategy is indispensable to achieving success against Al-Shabaab and advancing Somalia’s state-building priorities,” said a joint statement released by Somalia’s international partners on 7 April.

“We urge the Government, Federal Member State leaders, and political and societal stakeholders to meet expeditiously to ensure a unified, effective response to the ongoing Al-Shabaab offensive.”

The partners — including the African Union, United Nations, United States, European Union, and neighboring countries — also commended the Somali Security Forces and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) for their efforts in countering Al-Shabaab’s recent advances in Lower and Middle Shabelle regions.

“We remain steadfast in support of the government and people of Somalia as they strive to build a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous nation,” the statement added.

As the militant threat grows closer to Mogadishu, many observers warn that Somalia’s political impasse and lack of coordinated leadership could embolden Al-Shabaab unless urgent action is taken.

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Somali aviation sources told Kaab TV that the aircraft, which was carrying several Somali government officials—including the Mayor of Mogadishu—was rerouted for safety reasons and landed in Djibouti without incident.

The attack occurred around 6:05 a.m. local time, with at least six mortar rounds landing inside the airport compound.

READ MORE: Mortar Attacks Escalate Amid Rising Security Concerns at Mogadishu Airport

Several people were reportedly injured, prompting a brief closure of the airport.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), whose headquarters is located inside the heavily fortified airport complex, confirmed the attack.

“There were no casualties or damage to property within the mission area, and the situation has since been contained,” AUSSOM said in a statement.

The airport zone houses critical diplomatic missions, including the United Nations, the British Embassy, and the U.S. Mission.

Despite AUSSOM’s reassurances, the frequency of mortar attacks in Mogadishu has risen sharply in recent weeks. Just a day earlier, six people were wounded when mortar rounds hit residential neighborhoods in the capital.

Security experts warn that the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Al-Shabaab has been expanding its operations and infiltrating parts of the Somali security forces, with some militants believed to have secured positions within the government.

Analysts also point to a growing alliance between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are reportedly supplying the Somali group with weapons and ammunition.

Over the past three years, Al-Shabaab has captured significant stockpiles of arms from Somali forces.

In March, they seized Turkish-supplied weapons following an attack on a military base in Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle region.

On March 18, a massive car bomb targeting a presidential convoy narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but killed at least 20 people, including prominent Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, in Mogadishu.

As attacks on military and civilian targets intensify, the security situation in Somalia’s capital remains increasingly volatile.

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According to AUSSOM, the shelling occurred at around 6:05 a.m., but no casualties or property damage were reported.

The airport zone also houses key diplomatic missions, including the United Nations, the British Embassy, and the U.S. Mission.

“The situation has since been contained,” AUSSOM said in a statement. “Such attacks will not undermine our commitment to supporting the Federal Government of Somalia in its fight against terrorism and its pursuit of lasting peace and security.”

Despite reassurances, mortar attacks in the capital have sharply increased in recent weeks.

On Saturday, at least six people were wounded when rounds struck residential neighborhoods in Mogadishu.

The al-Qaeda-linked group has been intensifying its activities and is reportedly gaining ground near the capital.

Intelligence sources warn that Al-Shabaab has infiltrated elements of Somalia’s security forces, with some operatives allegedly occupying positions within the government.

Security analysts also express concern over Al-Shabaab’s growing ties with Yemen’s Houthi militia, from whom the group is reportedly sourcing various types of weapons and ammunition.

Over the past three years, the militants have also seized substantial caches of arms from Somali forces.

Most recently, in March, they captured Turkish-supplied weapons following an attack on a military base in Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle region.

On March 18, a major explosion narrowly missed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but killed at least 20 people, including prominent Somali journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, in Mogadishu.

With continued attacks on military and civilian targets, security in the capital remains fragile as authorities struggle to counter the evolving threat posed by Al-Shabaab.

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The meeting focused on strengthening the Somali passport system and addressing the increasing misuse of travel documents for illegal migration.

This comes as Somalia faces a growing human trafficking crisis, with reports of traffickers exploiting vulnerable individuals using Somali passports.

Officials presented reports detailing the challenges in passport recognition and measures needed to curb unlawful migration.

ICA Director General Mustafa Duhulow emphasized the urgency of improving service delivery and cracking down on trafficking networks.

“We must accelerate our efforts against illegal migration and human trafficking. Relevant departments must remain vigilant to protect Somali youth and prevent traffickers from exploiting vulnerable individuals,” Duhulow said in a statement.

Trafficking Through Mogadishu Airport

Meanwhile, Artan Mohamed Artan, head of Mogadishu Border Control, told Kaab TV that authorities have started intercepting individuals being trafficked through Aden Adde International Airport.

“We regularly rescue young men and women who are in the hands of traffickers attempting to smuggle them through Libya and Algeria,” Artan said.

According to Artan, some of those rescued have been reunited with their families, while officials closely monitor the travel of young people aged 19-25, the primary targets of traffickers.

Human trafficking remains a severe and persistent issue in Somalia, fueled by conflict, economic hardship, corruption, and weak governance.

The country is both a source and transit hub for trafficking, with victims subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and recruitment by armed groups.

The U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report consistently ranks Somalia among the lowest globally (Tier 3) due to the lack of anti-trafficking laws and weak enforcement.

Corrupt officials and porous borders further enable trafficking networks to operate with impunity.

In a recent development, a Somali diplomat was arrested in Ireland for his involvement in an international human trafficking network.

The diplomat, who was based in Saudi Arabia, allegedly sold Somali diplomatic and service passports to traffickers smuggling people into Europe.

He was detained in Dublin after flying in from Dubai in November last year, exposing a network that exploited diplomatic privileges to facilitate illegal migration.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the local flight, operated by Halla Airline, crashed as it entered the runway.

The domestic flight, which was traveling from Garowe to Mogadishu, had a total of 34 individuals on board, including 30 passengers and 4 crew members, according to a statement from The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

In response to the incident, the SCAA has launched an investigation into the crash.

“SCAA would like to reaffirm that the preliminary report will be released once the current investigation concludes,” it added.

Terrified passengers were escorted away from the crash site as the smoke-engulfed Embraer EMB 120 veered off the narrow runway, while firefighters rushed to the scene.

Those who survived the crash expressed their gratitude for being alive.

Anab Hashi, one of the survivors, shared her relief, stating, “We are lucky to have survived. I don’t know what to say, indeed. Thanks to God that we are alive.”

The incident highlights some of the challenges faced in the aviation sector in Somalia. Aircraft operating in the country are often outdated and poorly maintained, while airports lack proper security guidelines. Additionally, domestic flights are often operated by newly trained pilots with limited experience.

Previous incidents, such as the Fokker 50 crash operated by Jubba Airways in July 2022, serve as reminders of the importance of stringent safety measures. In that incident, all 36 occupants survived, but 16 passengers sustained injuries and required hospitalization.

Despite launching an investigation, the cause of that crash is yet to be determined.

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