Saturday March 8, 2025
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addresses an audience during a public event in Mogadishu, March 2025.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a warning that both air and ground strikes will target Al-Shabaab militants wherever they are located in the country. He also dismissed foreign security concerns as "propaganda," asserting that Somalia is not facing a crisis.
"I urge all Somalis to stay away from any areas controlled by the Khawarij (Al-Shabaab). Air and ground attacks will be carried out. Stay clear to avoid harm," President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated in a public address.
The president highlighted Somalia's progress in its fight against Al-Shabaab, adding that the country is on the verge of defeating the militant group. "Victory over this enemy is possible only through unity. Do not support Al-Shabaab in any way—do not rent to them, do not offer shelter, and do not assist them," he added.
The president also condemned the spread of false information by both Somali and foreign actors, which he believes is aimed at destabilizing national security. He accused these countries of preferring to see the country in the turmoil it experienced in previous decades, rather than the stability it is currently achieving.
"The foreign concerns are based on propaganda. Somalia is not in a security crisis."
"We must unite to support our national heroes, whether they are in military uniforms or traditional attire, in the effort to rid our country of Al-Shabaab," he concluded.
The president's remarks come as security concerns rise following a spike in Al-Shabaab attacks across central Somalia. The militants have carried out coordinated assaults, captured key towns, and moved closer to Mogadishu, raising alarms about the potential for further violence. In response, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert earlier this week, warning of “imminent attacks” on several locations, including Aden Adde International Airport.