MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has congratulated the Somali National Armed Forces on their 66th anniversary, emphasizing their role in protecting the nation and preserving unity.
In a statement, Fiqi noted that the anniversary commemorates the history and sacrifices of the armed forces, acknowledging their contribution to defending sovereignty and maintaining stability.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the military, including improving equipment, capacity, and personnel welfare.
Decade of Security Sector Reform
The anniversary comes as Somalia continues to make significant strides in rebuilding its defense institutions. Minister Fiqi recently celebrated a decade of vital advancements in bolstering the nation’s security sector at the official closing event of the “Strengthening Somali National Security Architecture” program.
Addressing participants in Mogadishu, Minister Fiqi characterized the initiative as a fundamental element in reconstructing Somalia’s security infrastructure over the last ten years, emphasizing its crucial function in harmonizing national security policies, reinforcing vital institutions, and significantly enhancing the expertise and operational preparedness of Somali military and intelligence organizations.
“This initiative has substantially contributed to the creation and enhancement of our National Security Architecture,” the minister stated, pointing out that the program has successfully laid the groundwork for a more integrated and effective security apparatus capable of actively countering Islamist militant groups.
International Partnerships and Training
The federal government has prioritized rebuilding the armed forces as part of broader initiatives to stabilize Somalia and transition security responsibilities from international partners to national institutions.
Minister Fiqi has hailed a landmark achievement in Somalia’s military history following the graduation of Captain Mohamed Muse Mohamed from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom , the first Somali National Armed Forces officer to do so in four decades.
Fiqi congratulated Captain Mohamed Muse for his dedication and professional excellence, describing his success as a significant step toward enhancing the capabilities and standards of the Somali National Armed Forces. He emphasized that the officer’s accomplishment reflects the growing ambition and reform-minded spirit within Somalia’s defense institutions.
Continuing Operations Against Al-Shabaab
The anniversary occurs as Somali forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab and assume greater security responsibilities nationwide.
Earlier this week, the Somali National Armed Forces, operating in coordination with international defense partners, conducted an intelligence-led air operation against Al-Shabaab militants in the Mudug region. The precise strike targeted a militant gathering near Tawarmooge, killing approximately 70 militants, including several senior commanders, and injuring between 90 and 95 others.
“The operation eliminated a crucial militant assembly point where the group was planning attacks to destabilize the region and endanger Somali civilians,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
In January 2026, Minister Fiqi confirmed the death of a high-ranking Al-Shabaab commander during a strategic security operation in the Lower Shabelle region. Abdullahi Hassan Abdi Osoble, widely known as Abdullahi Wadaad, was eliminated in a targeted operation in the Kuunyo Barrow area. According to intelligence reports, Wadaad served as a primary financial commander for the militant group, responsible for directing extortion operations in Lower Shabelle and Banadir.
Enemy Combatants Seeking Amnesty
The military pressure has led to internal fractures within the militant group’s leadership. Minister Fiqi has revealed that high-ranking members of Al-Shabaab are establishing direct contact with authorities to negotiate their surrender.
According to the minister, these senior figures are signaling a desire to accept government amnesty following the systematic loss of their traditional strongholds.
“Senior Al-Shabaab terrorists are approaching us, looking to surrender and seeking amnesty following the loss of their secure locations,” Minister Fiqi stated.
The minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains prepared to accept any individuals who reject extremist ideology, emphasizing the availability of established rehabilitation and amnesty initiatives designed to facilitate the reintegration of defectors into society.
Commitment to National Defense
The 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army serves as a testament to the resilience and commitment of Somalia’s armed forces in maintaining peace and stability within the country.
The federal government has consistently emphasized that counter-terrorism operations will continue until all terrorist elements are eliminated from Somali territory and lasting security is established for the Somali population. The anniversary occurs as Somali forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab and assume greater security responsibilities nationwide.
