| Tweets on Security | Independent Analyst on AML, CTF and CPF | Counter-Terrorism Expert For 12yrs+ | Co-Founding And Director @TIKLS_ | RTs Endorsements |
U.S. Special Operations Forces Conduct Direct Raid in Ballade
Today, U.S. Africom Special Operations Forces carried out a direct operation in the #HabarBajuuke cave in Ballade.
AFRICOM supported by 10 helicopters launched an assault on a large cave located in the Ballade area within the Golis mountain range. The forces landed on the ground and executed the mission following a direct confrontation between U.S. troops and members of IS-Somal.
This marks the first operation conducted by U.S. forces inside Puntland. During the raid several prisoners were captured and key IS-Somal figures including senior leaders were killed.
Emerging reports indicate that between 2022 and 2025 Al‑Shabab experienced a significant decline in the revenue streams used to obtain in Mogadishu particularly from areas it considered vital.
According to Somali intelligence efforts began two years ago to systematically shut down every financial channel the group relied upon including markets, land holdings, ports, and airports.
This campaign evolved into a financial war targeting banks and mobile money platforms that Al‑Shabab had infiltrated through operatives embedded within civilian society. The government succeeded in dismantling these networks, effectively cutting off the group’s access to illicit funds.
Al‑Shabab generated more than $80 million annually which financed salaries for fighters, food supplies, weapons procurement, ammunition and medical equipment. The government also arrested over 50 individuals involved in laundering the group money. Many of these suspects were linked by family ties, a tactic designed to conceal financial trails.
Al‑Shabab now faces severe financial strain. In 2023, the group attempted to compensate by offering millions of dollars to the Houthi movement in exchange for modern weaponry and technical expertise. the collapse of its revenue base has made sustaining such deals increasingly difficult.
#Somalia
Piracy must be firmly opposed and never rewarded. The release of the vessel MV Latuf carrying cargo for the Government of Turkey under the #TURKSOM mission, was conducted peacefully allowing it to continue its original voyage.
Reviewing the recent incidents it was confirmed that no ransom was paid to the Somali pirates who had hijacked the ship. This resolution was achieved through decisive pressure applied over the past 72 hours with full guarantees ensuring the crew and vessel could disembark safely.
The consolidation of unity between the two sides would become a mature and suitable framework for addressing any situation and it is a clear indication of the administrative fragility symbolized by the long, continuous wall stretching for thousands of kilometers.
🇬🇧 Minister for Development & Africa @kirstyjmcneill met President @HassanSMohamud yesterday at @TheVillaSomalia.
They discussed opportunities to strengthen the UK-Somalia partnership, as well as the importance of inclusive political dialogue for a safer, more stable Somalia.
The combined efforts of Puntland heroes and international partners achieved significant victories, dismantling all of IS‑Somalia critical units. No assistance came from the FGs, it was the unity between Puntland leadership and its people that delivered these decisive gains.
@TIKLS_
It is widely acknowledged that IS‑Somalia suffered a decisive defeat in the battles fought last year by Puntland local forces. The group endured a crushing blow that dismantled its critical units and forced it to abandon key positions in the Al‑Miskad mountain range.
According to a recent UN Security Council report, IS‑Somalia remaining strength is estimated at 150–250 fighters including its overall leader ISIS emir Abdikadir Moumin and his deputy heading IS‑Somalia Abdirahman Fahiye. This is very similar the assessment given by Gen. Michael Langley in 2025 who noted the group manpower at 1200–1500 fighters primarily foreign jihadists smuggled into Somalia between 2018 and 2023 via clandestine migration routes.
The combination of direct combat by Puntland local forces and sustained airstrikes by US-AFRICOM and the UAE resulted in the deaths of more than 900 IS‑Somalia militants. This synergy of ground operations and precision strikes has left the group crippled and unable to reclaim its former capacity.
#Somalia
It is widely acknowledged that IS‑Somalia suffered a decisive defeat in the battles fought last year by Puntland local forces. The group endured a crushing blow that dismantled its critical units and forced it to abandon key positions in the Al‑Miskad mountain range.
According to a recent UN Security Council report, IS‑Somalia remaining strength is estimated at 150–250 fighters including its overall leader ISIS emir Abdikadir Moumin and his deputy heading IS‑Somalia Abdirahman Fahiye. This is very similar the assessment given by Gen. Michael Langley in 2025 who noted the group manpower at 1200–1500 fighters primarily foreign jihadists smuggled into Somalia between 2018 and 2023 via clandestine migration routes.
The combination of direct combat by Puntland local forces and sustained airstrikes by US-AFRICOM and the UAE resulted in the deaths of more than 900 IS‑Somalia militants. This synergy of ground operations and precision strikes has left the group crippled and unable to reclaim its former capacity.
#Somalia
For the past few years, I've been researching the #Houthis' expansion in the Horn of Africa. Very excited that our report is finally out, co-authored with @peterjsalisbury & @PuntlandPirates, with contributions from a great group of researchers across the region.
https://t.co/8DhpmmVEHv
The decision of the Supreme Court of Somalia nullifying HSM’s illegal election in Galmudug is no less monumental than the England’s Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the French Revolution of 1789. Like these historic revolutions, it will, Insha Allah, set Somalia on the path to constitutionalism and the rule of institutions rather than the whims and dictates of would-be strongman like HSM.
This milestone decision and the judges of the Supreme Court will be remembered by future generations for steering the state building journey of Somalia to the right direction and laying firm foundation for good governance in our beloved country.
I wish to commend the esteemed judges on this bold and brave decision. And I urge them to remain steadfast in protecting the judiciary from HSM manipulations and to safeguard the independence of this all important institution for the future of our nation.
This situation is alarming and has created an unstable environment. Security concerns are escalating in #Somali waters, where groups have carried out successive hijackings resulting in the capture of vessels some of which were bound for Somalia. Situation has further intensified fears over maritime security.
#Somalia
At the start of this year, piracy activities have resurged across the waters of Somalia, Yemen and the Gulf of Aden. During the second quarter alone, approximately 32 incidents were recorded, comprising both successful and attempted attacks. These operations were concentrated along the northeastern Somali coast reigniting widespread security concerns and posing renewed challenges for commercial vessels navigating one of the world most critical maritime corridors.
Successful hijackings have resulted in 6 foreign vessels and 96 crew members currently being held hostage. These abductions underscore the growing operational capacity of Somali pirate groups and highlight the severe threat they pose to international trade, regional economies and the safety of maritime traffic transiting Somali waters.
This week incidents along the coastal areas of 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐥 And 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐞𝐠𝐭𝐨 resulted in the deaths of thirteen pirates targeted in airstrikes carried out by military aircraft positioned above vessels currently held hostage in Somali waters. These operations have heightened regional tensions and triggered a decline in both maritime travel and fishing activities as local operators fear becoming targets of military assets monitoring hijacked ships.
The situation has been particularly acute near Argeegto in Nugaal, northeastern Somalia where a hijacked vessel remains anchored approximately six to seven kilometers off the settlement of 𝐃𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐚. The presence of military forces in the area has created a volatile environment, further discouraging commercial and subsistence use of the sea.
#Somalia
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The Deputy SRCC and OiC of AUSSOM, Amb. Mouktar Osman Karie, today joined Somalia’s Federal Minister of Defence @AhmedMoFiqi during the launch of the Journalists for Peace Programme.
Organised from 22 to 26 August 2026 in #Mogadishu, this project is part of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (@IMCTC_en) ongoing efforts to counter violent extremism and promote responsible, peace-oriented media coverage. It aimed to strengthen journalism skills and support efforts to counter violent extremist narratives in Somalia’s media.
#Somalia: A formal agreement has reportedly been reached between the Somali pirates holding the M/V LUTUF and the @TC_MogadisuBE with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) reportedly mediating the deal.
The pirates are expected to leave the vessel today, Saturday, and move onto another vessel they are holding, which is also believed to be near Jiifle, Nugaal region.
The exact cargo of the Cameroon-flagged M/V LUTUF remains unclear. However, security sources say the vessel is carrying Turkish military equipment.
The vessel has 10 crew members: 6 Indians, 1 Turkish national, 1 Georgian, and 2 Serbian security guards.
The Indian Embassy in Kenya @IndiainKenya
said “ it has raised the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers aboard the MT Sibu (Eritrea-flagged) and MV LUTUF (Cameroon-flagged) with the relevant Somali authorities.
According to the Embassy, 16 Indian seafarers are reportedly aboard MT Sibu and 6 Indian seafarers aboard MV LUTUF. All Indian seafarers are reportedly safe.
The Embassy said it attaches the highest importance to the safety and welfare of the Indian seafaring community”.
At my cousin’s change of command ceremony yesterday as he assumed command of Naval Reserve Station Newport in Rhode Island. We grew up around the corner from one another so he is more like a little brother. Proud moment. Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Garowe: Mayor Abdulkadir Geedi, together with members of the Garowe Local Council, visited the SESRP-supported energy project, highlighting the city’s growing investment in reliable and sustainable electricity.
@HESaidADeni@Plstatehouse@Pldefenceforce@Plpoliceforce@Mohameddharoor@somalianalyst@JibrilQoobey@AhmedA_Sheikh@MoSykes_
Its time Puntland government and its security forces name and share with the public, the pirates funded by @HassanSMohamud@Amohamednur and many in the administration whose term expired in Muqdisho, who made deals with Houthis, and Iranians and are targeting ships in Gulf of Aden, as they travel from all the way near Muqdisho waters. These pirates are bringing bad name to all Somali people and are being used to tarnish Puntland name, and Puntland's government name, as they are made to be from Puntland. Its time to share with the people and the world, who really controls these pirates - who are paid by Muqdisho regime and hijacked a ship today from near Yemen as reported by @UK_MTO . @US2SOMALIA@UKinSomalia@USAfricaCommand
#Somalia: At least four people traveling on a speedboat toward a Turkish vessel reportedly seized by pirate groups off the Puntland coast were killed yesterday in an airstrike. The party responsible for the strike has not yet been identified.
The four victims have been identified as:
Ahmed Ali Jama Dhahar
Heego Mohamed Ducaale
Waraad Yusuf Cubeyd
Seexato Yusuf Cilmi
Local residents have reportedly not yet been able to retrieve the bodies, fearing further airstrikes. Meanwhile, sources confirm that the groups aboard the vessel are facing a supply blockade.
From Bosaso To Guardafui: Why America’s New Pact With Puntland Changes The Strategic Map – OpEd
By @ismailwarsame
Puntland’s primary asset is its geography at the junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean; the agreement signals renewed international recognition of this location, but long-term benefits will depend on constitutional clarity and investment in maritime infrastructure.
Continue reading ...
https://t.co/KgQj88PQks
What happened in #Baidoa is not politically motivated. The idea of cooperating with Al‑Shabaab and bringing them into the city is not part of political maneuvering it shows instead that the enemy is desperate and collapsing.
Bravo to the SNAForce who professionally defeated the terrorists, with minimal losses, protected the civilians and achieved a significant victory.
#Somalia
Those who associate themselves with terrorist groups, enable their agenda, or stand alongside them are no different from those who perpetrate terror against our people.
Congratulations to our brave Somali Security Forces for their continued dedication, vigilance, and unwavering commitment to protecting our people and defending our nation.
Today’s attack in Baidoa is yet another reminder of the enemy’s desperation. Our forces remain resolute, and our people remain steadfast.
Baidoa will never fall to Al-Shabaab. Somalia will prevail.