Mogadishu, Somalia| Ethiopia’s air force has conducted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab positions in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, marking a significant escalation in regional counterterrorism efforts.
The strikes, confirmed by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nuur on Friday, targeted key militant strongholds in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.
Strategic Coordination and Growing Security Ties
Minister Nuur emphasized that the operation was carried out with full knowledge of Somali authorities.
“No airstrikes can take place in Somalia without the government’s knowledge,” he stated, although he did not disclose details regarding casualties or infrastructure damage.
The strikes highlight increasing military collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia under the framework of the Ankara Agreement, a security pact aimed at enhancing counterterrorism coordination in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s air operation comes after Somalia recently approved the inclusion of Ethiopian forces in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)—a multinational effort to stabilize the country as Somali forces take on greater security responsibilities.
Al-Shabaab Under Intensified Pressure
The Ethiopian airstrikes coincide with an ongoing Somali-led military offensive against Al-Shabaab, particularly in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions.
The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by international allies, has ramped up operations against the group, aiming to weaken its strongholds and disrupt its activities, especially during the holy month of Ramadan—a period when militants have historically intensified attacks.
The air campaign also follows heightened security concerns in Mogadishu. Authorities have imposed strict measures at Aden Adde International Airport, banning military vehicles and weapons in response to U.S. intelligence warnings of a possible terrorist attack.
Implications for Regional Security
Ethiopia’s involvement in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts is not new, but this marks the first known Ethiopian aerial operation in the region in recent years.
The move signals Ethiopia’s growing military engagement beyond its borders and underscores the broader regional commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a serious threat across East Africa.
While Ethiopia and Somalia strengthen their security partnership, the impact of the latest airstrikes remains unclear, as authorities have yet to disclose specific operational outcomes.
However, the development reflects an evolving military strategy that includes airpower, ground operations, and international cooperation in the fight against one of Africa’s deadliest insurgent groups.
As the offensive against Al-Shabaab intensifies, Somalia’s government and its allies face the dual challenge of maintaining military pressure on the militants while ensuring civilian safety and long-term stability in the region.
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