The collapse of Middle Shabelle town exposes Somalia’s crumbling counteroffensive and re-energizes fears of a militant siege on the capital.

In a devastating blow to Somalia’s fragile counterinsurgency effort, Al-Shabaab militants stormed and seized the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle—an area President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud himself toured just weeks earlier to inspire confidence. The government’s response? Silence. The militants’ message? We’re not done yet.

The Wednesday dawn assault, characterized by explosions, heavy artillery, and five hours of intense ground combat, ends with the fall of what was once a forward base for government operations. It’s a symbolic and strategic defeat: Aadan Yabaal had served as a key operations center against militant-controlled areas since its recapture in 2022.

Al-Shabaab’s Shabelle offensive is working. With over 50% more attacks in 2025 compared to last year, the militant group is flipping the script. After federal gains in 2022, the insurgents are now taking back ground—and fast. This isn’t just a tactical setback; it’s a psychological one.

Sources indicate the government’s forces conducted a “tactical withdrawal.” But it’s hard to spin the loss of a heavily militarized town as anything less than a collapse. Videos released by Al-Shabaab show fighters unchallenged inside the town, flaunting weapons and capturing vehicles. The symbolism is undeniable: The militants are organized, mobile, and emboldened.

Even more concerning is what this loss portends. The pattern suggests a strategic encirclement of Mogadishu. Villages within 50 kilometers of the capital have fallen. Assassination attempts on the president are growing. The Aadan Yabaal loss isn’t an isolated flare-up—it’s a warning shot.

Community militias and remnants of the federal army are reportedly preparing a counteroffensive. But the truth is, Al-Shabaab has just sent a chilling message: the war is far from over—and they’re winning battles that matter.

If Aadan Yabaal can fall so easily, how long before Mogadishu becomes more than just a target?

Trump eyes embassy closures as US rejects UN plan to fund peacekeepers in Somalia — Mogadishu’s last lifeline in peril.

The US shocks the UN by rejecting funding for African Union forces in Somalia, just as Trump weighs closing the US Embassy in Mogadishu. With Al-Shabaab advancing and oil politics heating up, is Somalia doomed to implode?

The United States just signaled the collapse of Somalia’s last fragile security architecture — and it did so with chilling clarity. Washington has publicly rejected UN efforts to fund the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), effectively gutting any hope for predictable peacekeeping operations in a country teetering on the edge of collapse.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic snub — it’s a geopolitical death sentence for Somalia. Al-Shabaab militants are already testing the vacuum, launching a multi-pronged assault on Adan Yabaal, a key military base in Middle Shabelle. If confirmed, the town’s fall would mark the largest strategic loss since Somalia launched its offensive against terror in 2022.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council: no funding, no peace. But the US—under Trump’s second-term posture—is slamming the door shut, labeling Somalia as unfit for a hybrid funding model under Resolution 2719. Diplomats are in a panic. Meanwhile, Trump is reportedly planning to close up to 30 diplomatic missions, with Mogadishu’s embassy topping the list.

Somalia’s response? Desperation disguised as diplomacy. The FGS is now peddling oil blocks in contested territories like Nugaal Valley. In a flashy announcement on X, Somalia’s ambassador to the US declared “Somalia is open for drilling,” targeting American firms with an offer it legally and militarily cannot secure.

Somalia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dahir Hassan Arab

The move comes after Somalia’s recognition of SSC-Khaatumo — a region still engulfed in the political wreckage of its war with Somaliland.

This isn’t about development. It’s about weaponizing recognition, resource manipulation, and fake sovereignty in a bid to win Trump’s favor and undermine Somaliland’s momentum.

But while Hargeisa builds forests and attracts foreign media praise, Mogadishu is drowning in debt, insurgency, and denial. The West is tuning out, and even the UN is losing patience. The US, once Somalia’s diplomatic oxygen, is now pulling the plug.

Somalia is not rising — it’s being unplugged.

MP Dr. Abib accuses Somali leadership of corruption, illegal contracting, and diplomatic sabotage in World Bank project.

Explosive corruption allegations rock Somalia’s government as MP Dr. Abib exposes illegal $1.7 million contract with PEMANDU Associates. International donors on edge as diplomatic crisis brews. 

Somalia’s fragile legitimacy is unraveling—again—this time under the weight of a $1.7 million corruption scandal that could choke the nation’s lifeline of international aid. At the center: a high-stakes consulting contract with Malaysia-based PEMANDU Associates and a damning letter by Federal MP Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abib that pulls no punches.

From contract fraud to constitutional violations, the scandal tears into the Somali government’s already tenuous credibility. Dr. Abib’s accusations strike directly at the heart of state power: Prime Minister Hamse Barre, the Minister of Finance, and even the Central Bank Governor are named in an alleged web of patronage, nepotism, and legal misconduct. The contract, supposedly for a “National Transformation Plan,” not only sidesteps the existing National Development Plan (NDP-9), but tramples Somalia’s own laws and the World Bank’s procurement protocols.

This isn’t just about numbers and paperwork. This is a war over the soul of Somalia’s development future—and whether that future will be written by Somali institutions or foreign cronies with elite connections.

The deeper scandal? The expulsion of Sweden’s Deputy Ambassador, reportedly for questioning the legitimacy of the NTP plan. That single act triggered a diplomatic time bomb, endangering ties with Sweden, the EU, and the broader donor community that props up Somalia’s fragile institutions. Already suffering from what Abib calls “plan fatigue,” donors may walk away for good—leaving Mogadishu’s elite in their palaces and the Somali people with dust.

Somalia Expels Swedish Consul Anna Högberg

This isn’t just bureaucratic rot. It’s systemic sabotage of Somalia’s own governance structure. The removal of the Planning Ministry from oversight reeks of executive overreach, a hijacking of constitutional order. It’s no longer just corruption; it’s state capture.

If these allegations hold, Prime Minister Hamse may soon find himself isolated both internationally and domestically. With mounting pressure for parliamentary inquiries, forensic audits, and criminal investigations, this could be the opening salvo of a broader political reckoning.

Somalia’s leaders now face a stark choice: accountability or collapse.

Stay tuned. WARYATV will track every twist of this unfolding scandal.

Sheegow Ahmed Ali’s death in custody ignites controversy amid denials of foul play.

The sudden death of Somali military officer Sheegow Ahmed Ali, who passed away Monday night at Mogadishu’s Digfeer Hospital after complications from Hepatitis B and liver failure, has reignited complex tensions and suspicions within Somalia’s political and military landscape. While authorities swiftly dismissed claims of foul play, asserting medical transparency, the incident nonetheless highlights deeper systemic vulnerabilities within Somali state institutions.

Sheegow, who was sentenced last year following violent clashes between his forces and government troops, held significant operational roles, including combating the al-Shabaab insurgency in Lower Shabelle. His incarceration alone had already polarized opinion, and his untimely death in custody only amplifies existing distrust towards federal authorities, especially among his Jareerweyne clan community.

Despite firm denials by Minister of Health Dr. Ali Haaji Aden and public acceptance from Sheegow’s family regarding the official medical findings, widespread rumors of potential poisoning illustrate the pervasive distrust between the state and certain clan communities. This undercurrent of suspicion is symptomatic of a broader crisis: a fragile relationship between the Somali government and various clan-based factions.

For the administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, handling this sensitive case transparently and effectively is imperative to maintaining stability. Any perception of foul play, regardless of official denials, risks undermining government credibility, particularly at a moment when Mogadishu seeks to bolster domestic legitimacy and strengthen security forces amid persistent al-Shabaab threats.

The Somali authorities must do more than merely deny wrongdoing. Comprehensive transparency, independent verification, and open channels of communication are crucial. The case of Sheegow Ahmed Ali isn’t just about one individual’s tragic demise; it’s a litmus test for the credibility of Somalia’s military justice system and governance institutions.

With the nation’s stability already precarious, this incident underscores the urgent need for reform in military custody practices, improved medical oversight for detainees, and greater governmental accountability. The Somali people will undoubtedly watch closely as this story unfolds, determining whether it represents a turning point toward justice and transparency—or another missed opportunity that deepens divisions.

Rising Al-Shabaab Attacks Challenge Mogadishu’s Security Apparatus, Exposing Critical Weaknesses.

Mortar shells rained down on Mogadishu for the second consecutive day, underscoring Al-Shabaab’s renewed aggression and the Somali government’s glaring security failures. Sunday morning’s attack, targeting the strategic Aden Adde International Airport and heavily fortified Halane compound, highlights a critical vulnerability in Somalia’s fight against terrorism.

Suspected Al-Shabaab militants unleashed six mortar rounds, two of which detonated in the densely populated Kaawa Godey neighborhood, injuring at least two civilians—a woman and a child. This attack followed closely on the heels of Saturday’s devastating shelling in the Warta Nabada and Boondheere districts, injuring six civilians, including personnel from the National Theater.

The brazen strikes, aimed at critical infrastructure like the international airport and the Halane compound—home to the United Nations, foreign embassies, and African Union peacekeepers—are not just symbolic. They are tactical attempts by Al-Shabaab to project power and sow chaos in the heart of Somalia’s capital. Despite years of international aid, training, and military support, the capital remains susceptible to Al-Shabaab’s persistent guerrilla tactics.

The repeated attacks expose deep-seated intelligence and security lapses. Mogadishu’s authorities remain reactive, caught off guard despite clear precedent. This demands a tough reassessment of the security framework. With Al-Shabaab regaining momentum, Mogadishu risks descending back into chronic instability unless the government responds with decisive, proactive measures.

Somalia stands at a crossroads. To truly neutralize the Al-Shabaab threat, Mogadishu must overhaul its security strategies, intensify intelligence operations, and reinforce its defenses. Failure to do so will only embolden militants further, putting countless Somali lives—and regional stability—at risk.

Ethiopia Deploys 2,500 Troops to Crush Al-Shabaab and Stabilize Somalia Under New AU Initiative.

Ethiopia deploys thousands of troops under the African Union’s new peacekeeping force in Somalia, intensifying efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab and reshape regional power dynamics. 

Ethiopia’s involvement marks a pivotal moment. Once facing resistance from Somalia over a deal with Somaliland, Ethiopia’s role was secured through diplomatic breakthroughs facilitated by Turkey. The new mission’s objective is unambiguous: to bolster Somali security forces and aggressively reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for deadly attacks destabilizing East Africa.

Ethiopia joins forces from Uganda, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt—each contributing significant military personnel. Particularly notable is Egypt’s deployment of 1,100 troops, reflecting Cairo’s broader ambitions amid tense disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. These strategic moves underscore how the fight against Al-Shabaab intersects with larger geopolitical rivalries.

Funding and sovereignty remain contentious issues, with Somalia demanding clear agreements like the new Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) to safeguard national interests. Still, the mission faces financial uncertainty, relying heavily on international aid from the United States, EU, Turkey, and China.

The real test for Ethiopia and its partners will be effectiveness on the ground. Despite decades of international intervention, Al-Shabaab remains lethal, recently targeting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy. The coalition’s success in dismantling Al-Shabaab’s strongholds will determine if this latest effort brings lasting peace or further regional turmoil.

Ultimately, Ethiopia’s bold troop deployment could turn the tide against terrorism—if regional politics and resource struggles don’t undermine the mission first.

Somali Civil Aviation Authority suspends all Mogadishu-bound flights after UN plane crash at Aden Adde Airport; runway closed, global notification issued.

A UN aircraft crash at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde Airport has forced the Somali Civil Aviation Authority to suspend flights and shut down the runway. Emergency response underway as 22 UN staff escape disaster. 

The Somali Civil Aviation Authority has officially suspended all incoming flights to Mogadishu after a United Nations plane carrying 22 passengers crash-landed at Aden Adde International Airport earlier today.

Director Ahmed Macalin Hassan confirmed that the UN aircraft, bound for Baidoa, suffered a catastrophic technical failure shortly after takeoff and was forced to return to the airport. In a high-stakes emergency procedure, the plane released its fuel into the sea to minimize the risk of explosion and managed a harrowing landing—one that sparked a small fire and resulted in the total closure of the capital’s only functioning international runway.

The immediate fallout? A shutdown that reverberated far beyond Somalia’s borders. A notice was sent to 193 countries alerting them of the airport’s closure. Flights en route were diverted or grounded, and the country’s fragile air transport network—already under strain—was brought to a standstill.

As of 5:00 p.m., the runway remains blocked by the damaged aircraft, and emergency crews are scrambling to remove the wreckage. While no fatalities have been reported, the incident has reignited concerns about Somalia’s overstretched and under-resourced aviation infrastructure.

This is more than a temporary closure. It’s a wake-up call. The crash, involving international personnel and requiring global notification, casts a spotlight on the dangerous vulnerabilities facing Somalia’s aviation sector. Aden Adde Airport is not just a gateway—it’s a geopolitical lifeline used by diplomats, aid workers, and military partners. Its temporary paralysis sends shockwaves through humanitarian operations and diplomatic engagements across the Horn of Africa.

The question now is whether this near-catastrophe will lead to serious reforms—or whether Somalia’s aviation system will continue flying on fumes.

Sonja Nientiet urges swift German government intervention, warning her health is critically deteriorating after seven years in captivity.

In a new video released after seven agonizing years of captivity in Somalia, German nurse Sonja Nientiet has urgently pleaded for the German government to intensify efforts to secure her immediate release. Nientiet, who was abducted in Mogadishu in 2018 while working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), expressed dire concerns about her rapidly deteriorating health.

“My health is deteriorating,” Nientiet says emotionally in the video, posted by an individual named Liibaan Osman. She urgently warns that “every day that passes makes the situation more critical,” emphasizing that her prolonged captivity could soon claim her life.

Nientiet was kidnapped on May 2, 2018, after armed assailants—allegedly with inside help from a disgruntled security guard—stormed the ICRC office in Mogadishu. Despite intensive German intelligence efforts to track down her location and captors, who have demanded millions of dollars in ransom, the nurse remains captive and vulnerable.

The release of this disturbing footage has intensified pressure on the German government to secure Nientiet’s freedom. Yet, authorities have publicly maintained their longstanding policy of silence on hostage negotiations, declining direct comment.

Before her abduction, Nientiet had provided humanitarian assistance in Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting her commitment to aid in conflict zones. The ICRC expressed renewed urgency following the video, stating deep concern for her safety and health.

With her desperate plea now public, the stakes for Germany have dramatically increased, shifting the crisis into an urgent test of diplomatic resolve—one where each passing day could tragically mark the difference between life and death.