Al-Shabaab Forces Seize Fifth Location in Middle Shabelle
Al-Shabaab militants launched coordinated attacks on four villages in the Middle Shabelle region early this morning, targeting Ceel Cali Axmed, Daaru Nicma, Ali Fooldheere, and Al Kawthar. The assaults began with vehicle-borne explosives, leading to intense clashes. Al-Shabaab militants claims to have taken control of area, marking the fifth location they have captured in the region.
The Somali National Army (SNA) forces, supported by local militias, claims that they repelled the attackers, inflicting significant casualties. According to the Ministry of Information, over 130 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the confrontations.
In Ceel-Baraf, which the group seized without resistance after pro-government militias retreated upon learning of an impending heavy assault by Al-Shabaab. Government forces, SNA claims they quickly launched a counteroffensive, regaining control of the town and pursuing the retreating militants. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful operation, stating that Somalia remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism.
These incidents are part of Al-Shabaab's ongoing insurgency in southern and central Somalia since 2007, aiming to overthrow the federal government and impose their strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group's tactics often involve coordinated assaults and bombings targeting both military and civilian sites.
Discover More
Escalating Jihadist Violence and Political Fragmentation in the Sahel
In the last week of April 2025, the Sahel region experienced a significant escalation in violence and instability, primarily driven by jihadist groups and ongoing political fragmentation. JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, launched coordinated attacks across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin from April 21–25, targeting civilians, security forces, and urban centres.
A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Contact us to find out how our security services can support you.
We operate in almost all countries in Africa, including high-risk environments, monitoring and analyze ongoing conflicts, the hotspots and the potential upcoming threats on the continent. Every day. Around the clock.