Wednesday March 12, 2025
Somalia's Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur speaks during an exclusive interview with the BBC Somali Service
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, has confirmed that the Federal Government of Somalia is actively coordinating airstrikes carried out by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ethiopia. Nur said the operations are part of a counterterrorism effort aimed at targeting militants affiliated with Al-Shabaab and ISIS.Speaking to the BBC Somali Service, he provided details on the government’s role in these operations and Somalia’s broader security efforts.
Minister Abdulkadir insisted that all air operations conducted by foreign allies in Somalia operate under formal security agreements. “All our international security partners work under signed agreements that outline their responsibilities and ensure intelligence sharing,” he said. “Once intelligence is verified, a Somali officer must authorize any strike. There are no unauthorized airstrikes occurring in this country.”
His remarks reflect a deepening geopolitical alignment in the Horn of Africa, particularly highlighted by Somalia’s recent security pact with Ethiopia following diplomatic engagements brokered by Turkey. “Under the Ankara agreement, Ethiopia has been assisting us in counterterrorism operations. Airstrikes in designated areas are one of the most effective ways they have contributed,” Minister Abdulkadir noted.
According to Nur, this latest Somali offensive began by imposing stringent blockades on Al-Shabaab to cut off supplies and forcing the insurgents to attempt breakthroughs along critical river routes in the Shabelle region. “The blockade severely disrupted Al-Shabaab’s logistics, forcing them to open new fronts to reconnect their eastern and western factions,” he said.
While acknowledging that militants have launched attacks in multiple areas, he stated that Somali forces have inflicted heavy losses. “Al-Shabaab has suffered defeats on all fronts. Some areas were temporarily lost, but government forces have regained key positions,” he said. According to the minister, recent battles have destroyed 18 militant vehicles and the deaths of approximately 400 Al-Shabaab fighters.
But behind the optimistic tone also lies a complex operational picture. When asked why government forces had not preemptively attacked Al-Shabaab strongholds, he cited logistical challenges and the complexity of launching simultaneous nationwide offensives. “Fighting has been ongoing in regions like Jubaland and Bakool, and we are preparing for additional operations,” he said.
In Puntland’s rugged Al Miskaad Mountains, UAE-led airstrikes against ISIS affiliates illustrate Somalia’s broader regional security collaboration. Puntland authorities have publicly acknowledged their coordination with the UAE in these airstrikes. The minister said that these operations also fall under Somalia’s security framework. “Every strike is authorized through formal agreements. There are no rogue operations,” he reiterated.
Puntland's ongoing conflict against ISIS militants has occasionally led to tensions with the federal government. However, Minister Nur firmly countered suggestions of fragmentation. “The Puntland conflict involves Somali citizens, and the Federal Government is fully engaged at both the federal and state levels,” he said. “The fight against Al-Shabaab or ISIS in Puntland is a national effort. The resources used—including weapons and funding—come from agreements made by the Somali government with its international partners.”
Addressing concerns about potential civilian casualties from airstrikes, the minister claimed that 99% of these operations have avoided harming non-combatants. He attributed this to Somalia’s strict targeting policies. “Our policy is clear—airstrikes are not conducted in areas where civilians are suspected to be present. Awareness campaigns are also carried out to inform local communities,” he said.
In cases where civilian casualties occur, the Somali government has established a verification and accountability process. “If an incident happens, investigations are conducted by relevant agencies, and a mechanism is in place to compensate affected civilians,” he said.
Regarding U.S. assistance to Somalia’s elite Danab forces, Minister Abdulkadir said that the Somali government is gradually assuming responsibility for logistical support. “We are implementing our agreement with the U.S. in phases. The Somali government has already taken over salary and food supply provisions for Danab forces,” he said. Nur maintained that Washington remains a crucial security partner. “The U.S. continues to provide essential support where Somalia still lacks operational capacity,” he concluded.