Somalia announces tougher security measures to combat Al-Shabaab

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Thursday March 6, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Council of Ministers has announced new security measures to intensify the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab during its weekly meeting in Mogadishu on Thursday.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama chaired the meeting, which included directives affecting all Somali citizens.

The Cabinet warned against the misuse and falsification of information on social media and stated that individuals who allow their homes, businesses, or vehicles to be used for criminal activities that undermine national security will face legal consequences.

“Such actions will result in severe punishments under the law, with penalties similar to those imposed on terrorists. Security agencies will confiscate and nationalize any assets used in terrorist activities,” the council said in a statement.

The federal government also urged residents in areas where military operations are ongoing to avoid Al-Shabaab strongholds as air and ground offensives continue.

The Council of Ministers has banned the entry of weapons and combat vehicles into the Aden Adde International Airport compound in Mogadishu. The decision comes two days after the U.S. government issued a security warning about potential Al-Shabaab attacks targeting key locations, including the airport.

The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu announced that all personnel movements have been suspended until further notice. It added that potential methods of attack include, but are not limited to, car bombs, suicide bombers, individual attackers and mortar fire.

The embassy warned Americans who are still in Somalia to exercise vigilance, review your security plans, notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans, and avoid all large crowds, gatherings and demonstrations.

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