Somali PM vows to take war to the frontlines amid surge in Al-Shabaab attacks

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has announced that his government will intensify military operations against Al-Shabaab, vowing to take the fight directly to the group’s strongholds as security concerns grow in the capital and surrounding regions.

The announcement came during an emergency security briefing on Friday, which Barre chaired alongside key ministers and senior security officials. The meeting focused on escalating militant activity in Mogadishu and the Lower and Middle Shabelle regions.

“The Prime Minister stated that his government will take the war to the frontlines in an effort to eradicate Al-Shabaab militants hiding in various parts of the country,” Somali National Television (SNTV) said.

The meeting followed a series of Al-Shabaab attacks in Lower Shabelle, including assaults on the towns of Sabiid and Bariire. Security forces have since been deployed along the Mogadishu-Afgoye road amid reports of militant movements in the area.

Government sources said Barre reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating Al-Shabaab.

The announcement comes as the government claims to have killed more than 80 Al-Shabaab fighters in airstrikes targeting Sabiid and Caanoole villages in Middle Shabelle on Thursday. A day earlier, the Somali National Army (SNA) reportedly killed key Al-Shabaab leaders and fighters during a separate operation in Sumadaale, Middle Shabelle.

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks, with Al-Shabaab stepping up attacks in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle since the beginning of Ramadan.