Ethiopian forces have launched a major military operation against Al-Shabaab following the militant group’s recent capture of Balcad, a strategic town located about 35 kilometers southeast of Mogadishu.
On March 4, 2025, the Ethiopian Air Force, in coordination with the Somali National Army (SNA), carried out airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions to weaken the group’s operational strength and prevent its advance toward the Somali capital.
Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi, Chief of the Somali National Army, confirmed the operation, highlighting Ethiopia’s critical air support in counterterrorism efforts. “The SNA, alongside local defense forces and AU partners, is decisively repelling these incursions,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of reinforcements from Hiiraan and Galgadud in the ongoing battle.
Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohammed Nuur confirmed that the Ethiopian airstrikes were coordinated with the federal government, stating, “No airstrikes can take place in Somalia without the government’s knowledge.” However, he did not disclose any casualty figures.
This marks Ethiopia’s first officially confirmed air operation in central Somalia in years, following the country’s approval to participate in the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Previously, Mogadishu had opposed Ethiopia’s involvement due to its controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia views as an integral part of its territory. However, the disagreement was later resolved through the Ankara Declaration, a trilateral security pact between Somalia, Turkey, and Ethiopia, allowing Ethiopia to deploy 2,500 troops for peacekeeping operations.
Despite international support, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat. The group recently attempted to advance toward Mogadishu and launched a rocket attack targeting Aden Adde International Airport during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit.
In response to heightened security concerns, the U.S. Embassy in Somalia issued a warning on March 5, 2025, citing credible intelligence of imminent terrorist attacks targeting Mogadishu’s airport and other locations. The advisory urged U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, warning of potential attacks using car bombs, suicide bombers, and mortar fire.
Meanwhile, in early February, the U.S. military carried out an airstrike against Islamic State targets in Somalia, identifying the target as a senior attack planner.
With escalating threats and intensified military operations, Somalia remains at the center of regional counterterrorism efforts.
