Somali Civil War (2009–present)

The Somali Civil War started in 2009 and happens mostly in southern and central Somalia. The main fight is between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), helped by African Union peacekeepers, and an Islamist group called al-Shabaab. In 2012, al-Shabaab said they would follow al-Qaeda.

During an earlier fight that started after the Ethiopian invasion of Somalia in 2006, al-Shabaab grew very strong and took control of much of the south. When Ethiopian troops left Somalia in 2009, a leader named Sharif Ahmed became president of the Transitional Federal Government. This began a new part of the civil war. Al-Shabaab and other groups kept fighting the new government and the African Union mission called AMISOM.

By 2010, al-Shabaab was at its strongest, joining with other groups and changing how they fought. That year, they joined with Hizbul Islam and did bombings in Kampala because Uganda helped AMISOM. In 2011, al-Shabaab left Mogadishu. The same year, Kenya started a military operation called Operation Linda Nchi in southern Somalia, and Ethiopian military troops returned to Somalia.

In 2012, the FGS was formed. It became clear that just fighting would not end the conflict. Al-Shabaab still controls some areas in southern Somalia but now focuses more on surprise attacks and terror. Other groups, like the Islamic State in Somalia and Hizbul Islam, have also done attacks. In 2023, a new conflict began in northern Somalia between SSC-Khatumo and the Somaliland Army.

Background

The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia was created in 2004. In 2006, with help from the United States, Ethiopian forces came into Somalia and removed the Islamic Courts Union from power. After this, many groups began fighting against the Ethiopian forces.

Al-Shabaab, a group that wanted to control Somalia, grew stronger during this time. They started small but took control of large areas. By 2008, most of Somalia was under control of these fighters, and the government was almost falling apart. The Ethiopian forces left, but the fighting kept going.

Timeline

2009–10: War begins

Main articles: 2009 African Union base bombings in Mogadishu and Battle of South Mogadishu

[Al-Shabaab] also vowed to fight the government. On 4 February 2009, four groups, including [Hassan Dahir Aweys]' Eritrean branch of the [ARS] merged and created the group [Hisbi Islam], to oppose the new government of [Sharif Sheikh Ahmed]. The new TFG President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu as president for the first time on 7 February 2009. [Al-Shabaab] and other groups began firing at the new TFG president hours later. They accused the new President of accepting the government.

On 8 February, heavy fighting broke out in southern Mogadishu.^{[citation needed]} [Al-Shabaab] leader Sheikh Muktar Robow (Abu Mansur) met with Sharif Ahmed for peace talks during his visit to Mogadishu, while Omar Iman rejected the president.^{[citation needed]} During these negotiations, Sharif Ahmed said that he would be prepared to enforce [Sharia Law] in Somalia, which was the groups' main demand. However, Sheikh Muktar Robow, a former [Al-Shabaab] spokesman, denied having talked to Sharif Ahmed and vowed to continue fighting until his demands for Sharia Law were met. Sheikh Muktar Robow warned [Nigeria] against sending peace keepers to Somalia, as [Al-Shabaab] viewed the AU peace keepers as occupying forces. An offensive was launched two days later by [Al-Shabaab] to take the Bakool province. Government officials who had been ousted from Baidoa had been amassing troops in the city of Hudur (Xudur) and planning a major offensive to re-take Baidoa. Islamist forces attacked the province and reached the capital where they started a battle against government forces. In Galmudug, Clan militia took the town of Masagaway from [Al-Shabaab], while there was also fighting in Warsheekh.

The spokesman for [Al-Shabaab] at the time, Sheikh Muktar Robow (Abu Mansur), rebuffed reports from several media outlets that a mutual agreement between him and newly elected president Sharif Ahmed was made. In his 12 February statement, he also added that he had no intention to contact the president on any matters, and that they would continue fighting against foreign troops and what he described as a government. [Al-Shabaab] also vowed war against the new government. On 22 February, a double attack on an AU base in Mogadishu left 11 soldiers dead and another 15 wounded. Two days later, heavy fighting erupted in the city as TFG and AU forces attempted to retake the city from groups. The fighting lasted for two days and killed 87 people, including: 48 civilians, 15 fighters and 6 TFG policemen. At the same time as the fighting raged in Mogadishu, [Al-Shabaab] forces took the town of Hudor, to the northwest, in fighting that killed another 20 people: ten TFG soldiers, six fighters and four civilians. On 28 February, it appeared that [Hisbi Islam] would sign a ceasefire with the [Transitional Federal Government]. However, by 1 March, it was clear that no ceasefire would be given, despite President [Sharif Ahmed] having agreed to proposals for a [truce] and having offered to accept the implementation of Sharia law but refused to move troops from civilian areas despite the groups doing so. [Al-Shabaab] announced on 6 May that it would continue the war even if AMISOM withdrew. The Somali government, in turn, later announced an immediate blockade on airstrips and seaports under control to stop the flow of weapons reaching them.

Battle of Mogadishu and central Somalia

Main articles: Battle of Mogadishu (2009) and Battle of Wabho

On 7 May, a fierce battle for control of Mogadishu started between [Al-Shabaab] and Hizbul Islam against the TFG. Hundreds were killed and injured and tens of thousands were displaced. By 11 May, rebel forces gained the upper hand and made large gains taking over most of the capital. The rebels came close to overthrowing the government before fighting ended on 14 May, new rounds of fighting would last all through August. By 16 May, [Al-Shabaab] captured the strategic town of [Jowhar], which connects Mogadishu with central Somalia. One of the largest battles of the war took place about 3 weeks later on 5 June when Hizbul Islam captured Wabho leaving 50 combatants killed. On 19 June, the transitional parliament speaker Sheikh [Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe] asked the international community to send foreign troops to Somalia within the following 24 hours. He stated that the government's power is on the verge of being defeated by groups in the Somali capital. The Somali cabinet declared a [state of emergency], and asked for help from neighboring countries which included Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Yemen. Ethiopia refused saying intervention needs an international mandate. [Al-Shabaab] responded by 21 June saying they would fight any foreign troops, and made threats against potential Kenyan intervention.

President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed declared a state of emergency by 22 June, as a new round of fighting in Mogadishu left 12 dead and 20 injured with hundreds more fleeing the city. The notion of Ethiopian troops intervening in the conflict caused defections by local government administration officials. Areas affected by this included Beledweyne, El-gal village, and [Hiraan]. The effects also caused many pro-government [Islamic Courts Union] officials to resign. In response, TFG forces led by general Muktar Hussein Afrah started military manoeuvers in the East side of Mogadishu. On 6 July, The Amir of [Al-Shabaab], [Ahmed Godane] gave government forces an ultimatum of five days to hand over their weapons which was rejected. At some point, foreign aid to the government was provided in the form of security advisors. On 17 July, two of these advisors (sent by France) were captured by fighters. The Somali government gave permission for French commandos to launch operations inside Somalia to free the two French nationals that were held by [Al-Shabaab]. France responded on 22 July by sending in warships and helicopters near the ports of Mogadishu and Marka declaring they would undertake military operations to free the two French military advisors who had been captured by fighters. One of the hostages eventually was able to escape by August 2009, while the other was last seen in a video released in June 2010 asking for assistance.

The United States also took up targeting members. On 14 September several U.S. Navy helicopters launched a [raid in Baraawe] against [Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan], killing him as well as five other fighters. Also in 2009, British Army soldiers from the [Special Air Service] and the [Special Reconnaissance Regiment] were deployed to Djibouti as part of [Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa] to conduct operations against groups in Somalia. They carried out missions focusing on surveillance and targeting of groups, alongside their US counterparts. They have also been carrying out this role in Yemen.

[Al-Shabaab-Hizbul Islam conflict]

The armed conflict between Hizbul Islam and [Al-Shabaab] began due to a dispute between the faction of the Ras Kamboni Brigades led by Sheikh Ahmed "Madoobe" and [Al-Shabaab], over a power sharing agreement in Kisimayo. Hizbul Islam and [Al-Shabaab] had made a power sharing agreement for the city, where the power would rotate between the two factions, with each faction controlling the city for periods of six months. However, due to clan politics [Al-Shabaab] refused to let the power rotation take place. This led to internal problems within Hizbul Islam as its ARS-A and [JABISO] factions, which were aligned with [Al-Shabaab] in Hiran and Mogadishu, refused to support the Ras Kamboni Brigades, while Anole remained neutral. It also led to a split within the Ras Kamboni Brigades, with a faction led by Hizbul Islam's deputy chairman Sheikh Hassan "Turki" refusing to back Ahmad "Madoobe" and instead siding with [Al-Shabaab]. It was reported on 1 October that [heavy fighting in Kisimayo] had broken out between the two factions, [Al-Shabaab] controlled most of the city with dozens of casualties reported by the afternoon. At least 17 more people were killed in a series of battles overnight on 5 October. Hizbul Islam claimed that they had captured foreign fighters in the battle. The battle eventually ended with a decisive victory for [Al-Shabaab], which expelled Madbobe's Ras Kamboni Brigade forces from the city.

Throughout November 2009, fighting between the two factions continued as the battle lines moved into Southern Somalia, resulting in a decrease in attacks at Mogadishu targeting government forces (TFG) and their allies (AMISOM). [Sheikh Ahmad Madobe]'s forces were ultimately overpowered by [Al-Shabaab] and its local allies, and forced to withdraw from the [Lower Juba] region and most of Southern Somalia. The merger between [Al-Shabaab] and Sheikh Hassan Turki's branch of the Ras Kamboni Brigades occurred early in 2010 (February) with a call for other groups in Hizbul Islam to do the same. Additional battles throughout 2010 were fought between Hizbul Islam and [Al-Shabaab] in central Somalia as fighting moved from the [Hiran region] to the [Bay region], to [Lower Shabelle]. Hizbul Islam eventually was forced to surrender the [Luuq District] in [Gedo] region to [Al-Shabaab], after which the group announced that it would merge with [Al-Shabaab]. From mid-December [Al-Shabaab] fighters started taking over Hizbul Islam positions. The merge was confirmed on 20 December, when Hizbul Islam Chairman Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys and Sheikh Mohammad Osman Arus, the organisation's official spokesman, surrendered to [Al-Shabaab] and disbanded the organisation.

2011–15: Government forces retake lost territory

Battle of Gashandiga

[Al-Shabaab] controlled roughly half the lands claimed by the Somali government at their greatest extent in 2009 July. With the help of allies, government forces slowly started to make gains that would lead to a retake of lost territory through various military operations. An offensive on 20 February 2011 was dubbed by AU Representative [Wafula Wamunyinyi] as the "Battle of Gashandiga." This offensive involved AMISOM troops destroying a large complex of [Al-Shabaab] trenches, killing six [Al-Shabaab] commanders in Mogadishu. Towards the end of February, disturbances moved into Mogadishu again in the form of one attack and heavy shelling as [Al-Shabaab] fighters attempted to re-take lost territory. This push resulted in the deaths of at least 47 people, rebels displayed one wounded and five dead Burundian AMISOM soldiers. Another offensive was opened up between 26 February and 28 February by TFG troops with support of Ethiopian soldiers in [Bula Hawo] (southern Somalia), resulting in 33 deaths.

By 5 March, AMISOM and TFG forces claimed to control seven of the city's districts, while six were contested and three were controlled by anti-government forces. [Al-Shabaab] responded to the government offensive by putting up roadblocks to prevent the movement of goods from the seaport. This adversely affected both sides of the conflict, as the TFG controlled the port and its profits. At the same time though, places such as Bakaara Market were controlled by the insurgents where many of the goods were bound to be sold. It was also reported by this time that up to 53 AMISOM may have died in the clashes, which included 43 Burundian and 10 Ugandans. An additional 1,000 peacekeepers to assist in the TFG's renewed offensive against [Al-Shabaab] were brought in, and by 16 March AMISOM had a force of nearly 9,000.

In early May 2011, [Al-Shabaab] were pushed out of [Garbahare] by government forces commanded by [Nur Matan Abdi]. At least 26 [Al-Shabaab] militants were killed, while just five government soldiers were wounded.

Defeat of [Al-Shabaab] in Mogadishu

Main article: Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011)

The 2010–11 battle of Mogadishu began when [Al-Shabaab] militants launched an offensive to capture the city. The battle soon swung in favor of government forces, who were able to drive the militant group out by 11 October 2011. The complete capture of the city took place on 7 September 2012, when the Transitional Federal Government's troops and their AMISOM allies managed to secure the city. Around the same time witnesses reported [Al-Shabaab] vehicles abandoning their bases in the capital for the south-central city of [Baidoa]. The group's spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage described the exodus as a tactical retreat, and vowed to continue the insurgency against the national government. Observers have suggested that the pullout may have been caused in part by internal ideological rifts in the rebel organization. The city was by no means safe after [Al-Shabaab] withdrew as the militant group continued hit and run tactics in the Northern part of the city.

Fighting in Puntland

On 2 to 3 September 2011, fighting was reported in Puntland that resulted in the deaths of up to 60 people, including eight soldiers and 40 militants, with Insurgents being repelled. [Al-Shabaab] claimed on 7 September that they have captured two Kenyan troops who were on a surveillance mission near the Kenyan-Somali Border. Puntland forces captured 18 members of [Al-Shabaab] in counter-terrorism operations on 8 September.

Battle of Elwaq & Kismayo offensive

Main articles: Battle of Elwaq and Battle of Kismayo (2012)

[Al-Shabaab] attacked the southern town of Elwaq on 10 September 2011, resulting in the deaths of 12 insurgents and soldiers. The next day, Somali troops fought back, retaking the town after militants fled on captured [technicals]. The bodies of 30 militants were later found, some of them children. Conversely, [Al-Shabaab] claimed they killed around 70 government aligned troops and captured 10 technicals.

The Burundian military lost 51 soldiers in October, causing anger among Burundians, who believed their country was sacrificing too much. Many Burundians urged other AU members to contribute troops to the Somalia mission. [Nigeria], Djibouti, and [Guinea] considered sending troops, but none contributed.

On 4 September 2012, the [Kenyan Navy] shelled [Kismayo] as part of an AU offensive to capture the city from [Al-Shabaab] fighters. The harbour was shelled two times and the airport three times. According to a UN report, the export of [charcoal] through Kismayo was a major source of income for [Al-Shabaab].

Situation of the war in Somalia in 2009

On 28 September 2012, the Somali National Army assisted by AMISOM troops and Ras Kamboni militia launched an assault on Kismayo, [Al-Shabaab]'s last major stronghold. The allied forces reportedly managed to re-capture much of the city from the insurgents.

Operation Indian Ocean & Jubba Corridor

Main article: Operation Indian Ocean

In August 2014, AMISOM, supported by Somali forces, began [Operation Indian Ocean]. On 1 September 2014, a US drone strike carried out as part of the broader mission killed [Al-Shabaab] leader [Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr], also known as Ahmed Godane. US authorities hailed the raid as a major symbolic and operational loss for [Al-Shabaab], and the Somali government offered a 45-day amnesty to all moderate members of the militant group. Political analysts also suggested that the insurgent commander's death will likely lead to [Al-Shabaab]'s fragmentation and eventual dissolution.

From 19 July 2015, [AMISOM] and the [Somali National Army] regained many villages and the major towns of [Bardhere] and [Dinsoor]. Operation Piga Jangili, seizing Bardhere, involved fighting for six hours against an estimated 175 to 200 insurgent opponents.

2016: Battle of El Adde and resurgence of [Al-Shabaab]

On 15 January 2016, [Al-Shabaab] attacked a Kenyan-run AMISOM base in [El Adde] Somalia, overrunning the compound and killing approximately 185 soldiers. [Al-Shabaab] then regained the important town of Marka, 45 km from the capital, and the port of Gard in region (March 2016). [Al-Shabaab]'s activities create constant dilemmas for international humanitarian aid organisations.

2017: American involvement expanded

In late March 2017, President Donald Trump gave [US Africa Command] more freedom to conduct airstrikes and other military operations.

In addition to stepping up airstrikes, US special forces fighting with Somali forces have also been increased, conventional US troops give lessons in building defense institutions, with added support from other nations.

2018–present: Ongoing guerrilla warfare

2019

By 2019, the United States was heavily involved in the war, using [airstrikes].

2020

2021

2022

Main article: 2022 timeline of the Somali Civil War

2023

The Somali army had been expanding anti-<[a href="/w/5">Al-Shabaab] efforts from beyond [Hirshabelle] state, and they were now beginning to strike at [Al-Shabaab] bases in [Galmudug] state. The army cooperated with local Gedir clan militias and drone strikes from the United States in Mudug, seizing the towns of [Harardhere] and Galcad in January as a result.

Fighting broke out between the [Khatumo State] and [Somaliland] leading to the [2023 Las Anod conflict] where Khatumo Forces capture nearly all military bases and towns in the Sool region but fighting is still ongoing.

In March it was reported that [Al-Shabaab] has lost one third of its territory in Somalia, since the government launched its major military offensive in August 2022.

On 26 May, [Al-Shabaab] launched a deadly attack on the Buulo Mareer military base using Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices and suicide bombers. Ugandan troops discovered the bodies of 54 Ugandan soldiers who were killed in the attack. The discovery took place as the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) regained control of the forward operating base in Buulo Mareer, about 120 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.

Armed clashes was reported in the town of Masagaway after an [Al-Shabaab] attack on a military base there on 30 May. The government claimed to have ambushed the [Al-Shabaab] contingent and inflicted casualties upon them after they withdrew from their attack on the base.

The African Union has been giving up bases to the [Somali Armed Forces] since June, the African Union (AU) is winding down its peacekeeping mission in the country and AU soldiers will finally depart at the end of 2024, leading to concern of what will happen next.

A decisive turning point in the war came during the [Battle of Osweyne] in late August 2023, where the SNA suffered a severe defeat and retreated from hard fought regions.

On 17 September it was reported that 20-plus [Ethiopian National Defense Force] (ENDF) fighters were killed/captured by [Al-Shabaab] fighters in Rabdhure, Bakool .

On 29 September a [suicide bomber] [exploded a bomb in a tea shop] in Mogadishu.

2024

On 10 January, [Al-Shabaab] militants attacked a UN helicopter and forced it to make an emergency landing. They then burned the helicopter and seized most of the crew of nine people. One person was killed and two others were unaccounted for after the incident.

On 6 February, [four bombings] inside [Bakaara Market] in the Somali capital killed at least ten people and injured about fifteen others. On 11 February, [Al-Shabaab] attacked the General Gordon Military Base in the Somali capital Mogadishu, resulting in deaths of four Emirati troops and one Bahraini military officer.

On 14 March, militants [attacked and sieged the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu].

On 13 July, At least eight people are killed and twenty-one others injured in a shootout between security forces and inmates in a Mogadishu prison during an escape attempt. The prisoners who attempted to escape were members of [Al-Shabaab]. On 14 July, 10 people were injured in a cafe due to a car bombing done by [Al-Shabaab].

On 2 August, 37 people were killed by an [Al-Shabaab] suicide bomber at Lido Beach.

On 18 October, seven were killed in another café bombing in Mogadishu.

2025

On 8 January 2025, the Puntland armed forces greatly increased their fight against Islamic State militants in the [Al Miskat mountain] range, located in the [Bari region]. These forces said they are working to block all escape routes and are closing in on areas where the militants are hiding. Puntland's Counter-Terrorism Operation said their troops are surrounding the Al Miskat mountains and moving into the suspected hideouts. Security operations are also happening in nearby areas like Hamure. The security force is also talked to local people and asked them to not collaborate with the militants. They warned residents to stay away from the group before it was too late.

On 9 January 2025, [Puntland forces] carry out [drone strikes] on Islamic State targets in the [Cal Miskaad] mountains near [Balidhidhin District] of Bari, The counterterrorism claimed that they killed several militants.

On 20 February 2025, [Al-Shabaab] [launched attacks] on several villages and military bases in the [Middle Shabelle] and [Hiran region] causing the deaths of 130 [Al-Shabaab] militants and dozens of Somali soldiers.

On 4 March 2025, the [U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu] has warned of imminent attack threats from [Al-Shabaab] in Mogadishu including at [Aden Adde International Airport]. Embassy personnel movements are suspended. The embassy also warned that militant groups continue to plan kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks across the country. [Turkish Airlines] and [Qatar Airways] halted all flights to Mogadishu following security warnings from the U.S. Embassy about potential terrorist attacks targeting [Mogadishu Airport].

On 18 March 2025, [Hassan Sheikh Mohamud], president of Somalia, was targeted by [Al-Shabaab] in a [roadside bombing assassination] attempt using improvised explosive devices near Villa Somalia while his entourage headed to [Aden Adde International Airport] in Mogadishu. Hassan survived the attack.

On 16 April 2025, [Al-Shabaab] captured the town of Adan Yabaal from government forces. The town has strategic military significance and serves as a critical logistical hub connecting Hirshabelle state to the neighboring central state of Galmudug.

An American airstrike carried out on September 12, 2025, in Badhan, in the region of Sanaag in Puntland, which targeted a traditional leader accused of being a member of [Al-Shabaab], was executed, in coordination with the Somali federal government.

2026

In the early months of 2026, the US and allies continued airstrikes targeting militia forces, like [Al-Shabaab] near Mogadishu, while the [African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia] continued its efforts to strengthen the government. During march there was an escalation of airstrikes and operation, as government forces were reported capturing and dismantling militia bases. During April 2026, further escalation was noted of the strikes against militia forces in Somalia.

Foreign involvement

African Union Mission

Main articles: African Union Mission to Somalia and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia

The African Union sent many soldiers to Somalia. Their job is to help the government, train local forces, and keep things safe for aid workers. The mission started in 2007 and changed its name in 2022. It includes troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.

United States and United Nations

The Government of Somalia has asked for help from the United States many times. The United Nations helps Somalia with money each year for programs, not for fighting. In 2013, the United States began talking to Somalia again after 20 years. About 50 U.S. soldiers work with local forces to help fight against dangerous groups. The United Nations also helped lift a ban on buying certain weapons for Somalia in 2013.

Ethiopia

2009

In February, Somali leaders were arrested by Ethiopian forces. In May, Ethiopian soldiers fought with local forces and civilians. In June, Ethiopian forces entered several towns and set up bases. By July, they left some bases.

2010

In May, Ethiopian forces took control of towns from fighters. In July, they left all their bases in some regions. In August, more Ethiopian troops entered Somalia and moved toward certain towns. Later in August, they entered more villages. In September, they moved deeper into a region. By December, there was a clash between local and Ethiopian forces.

2011

In January, Ethiopian forces asked local fighters to stop fighting. In November, many Ethiopian troops entered Somalia. After a meeting in November, Ethiopia agreed to help fight against fighters.

2012

In October 2012, it was announced that Ethiopian forces would leave some areas and let peacekeepers take over.

2013

In 2013, Ethiopia said its troops would leave as the situation improved. After an attack in Nairobi, Ethiopia changed its plans. Later, Ethiopia said its troops would join the peacekeepers. Some Ethiopian troops still operated on their own.

2020

In May 2020, a plane crashed while carrying supplies. There were claims that Ethiopian troops may have shot it down, but this is still being investigated.

Kenya

Recruitment from Kenya

Reports said that Kenya and Somalia recruited people from Kenya to fight in Somalia, but both governments denied this.

2010 Kenya–al-Shabaab border clash

Main article: 2010 Kenya–Al-Shabaab border clash

In July 2010, fighters attacked a Kenyan patrol at the border. There was a fight, and some people were hurt or killed. More security forces were sent to the border.

Operation Linda Nchi

Main article: Operation Linda Nchi

In October 2011, Kenyan forces began helping Somalia fight against fighters. By June 2012, Kenyan forces joined the peacekeepers.

Piracy

Further information: Piracy off the coast of Somalia, Anti-piracy measures in Somalia, and List of Somali pirates

Some leaders tried to use pirates to protect their areas. Other pirates made deals with fighters. In 2010, one leader promised to stop piracy by using strict rules when his group controlled a town.

Somali Civil War (2009–present)