Mogadishu, Somalia – March 7, 2025 – The Somali Federal Government has confirmed that Ethiopian military aircraft conducted airstrikes in the Middle Shabelle region, targeting areas known to be strongholds of the Al-Shabaab militant group. The announcement was made by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, during a televised interview with national media.
Minister Nur stated that the airstrikes, which involved missile strikes on Al-Shabaab positions, were carried out with the full knowledge and direction of the Somali government. He emphasized that no foreign military operations can take place within Somali territory without the approval of the Federal Government.
“The airstrikes conducted by Ethiopian forces were directed by the Somali government,” Minister Nur said. “This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the security of our nation.”
The minister also highlighted the growing security cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab. He referenced the Ankara agreement, a bilateral pact that outlines the framework for collaboration between the two nations in addressing security challenges.
This development comes shortly after the Somali government granted permission for Ethiopian troops to participate in the new African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a multinational effort aimed at stabilizing the country and countering extremist groups. However, until now, Ethiopian forces had not been visibly active in the Middle Shabelle region, making these airstrikes a significant escalation in their involvement.
No casualties have been reported as a result of the airstrikes, and the Somali government has not provided further details on the specific locations or extent of the damage caused by the operation.
The confirmation of Ethiopian airstrikes underscores the increasing regional collaboration in the fight against Al-Shabaab, which continues to pose a significant threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
As the situation develops, the Somali government has assured its citizens that all military operations are being conducted with the utmost care to minimize harm to civilians while targeting terrorist elements.
