Somalia’s Defence Minister Asserts Decline in Al-Shabaab’s Capabilities. Mogadishu, Somalia — 2026-02-07 Lead Paragraph The Minister of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has declared a significant reduction in the operational capabilities of Al-Shabaab.
In a recent statement, Minister Fiqi attributed the decline to recent military operations, suggesting that the insurgent group is now struggling to maintain its presence and influence in the country.
Body. Minister Fiqi highlighted that the latest confrontations between the Somali National Army and Al-Shabaab have shown that the enemy is no longer capable of prolonged engagements.
He noted that the group’s command structures are fracturing under sustained pressure, pushing them into a defensive posture in areas they once controlled.
However, independent observers and experts remain cautious about the extent of the reported decline. Sources indicate that while there have been tactical successes, such as the killing of an Al-Shabaab commander, these do not necessarily equate to a decisive curtailment of the group’s capabilities. Previous assessments by the United Nations and the African Union suggest that Al-Shabaab still maintains “pockets of terrorists “capable of plotting attacks.
The Somali government’s assertions come amidst a series of intensified military operations across the central and southern regions. While officials claim that the offensive has liberated territory and psychologically defeated the enemy, the extent to which the narrative of invincibility has been stripped from Al-Shabaab remains to be seen. Ending.
The situation in Somalia continues to evolve, with the government and its allies asserting progress against Al — Shabaab.
However, the full impact of recent military operations on the group’s capabilities is yet to be confirmed by independent sources. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
