MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Ethiopia’s air force has entered the fray against Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, launching coordinated air strikes as the militant group tightens its grip on towns recently recaptured from the Somali army.
The intervention comes amid escalating efforts to counter the group’s advances and restore stability to the region.
Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, former commander of Somalia’s US-trained Danab special forces said on Tuesday that the Ethiopian air force was taking part in the aerial bombardment on towns held by insurgents.
“In a coordinated effort, Ethiopian air power has joined to bolster the counter-terrorism operations against Khawarij elements attempting to destabilize Middle Shabelle,” he said.
Sheikh further emphasized the role of international and local partnerships in the ongoing campaign. “The @SNAForce, alongside local defence forces and with crucial support from AU partners, is decisively repelling these incursions. The rapid and substantial reinforcement from Hiiraan and Galgadud has been instrumental in this operation, demonstrating a unified and robust response.”
This week, dozens of air strikes have targeted the Middle Shabelle region, with the majority conducted by U.S. and Turkish drones. Key towns recently seized by militants, including El Baraf, Biyo Adde, and El Ali Ahmed, have been focal points of the aerial campaign.
However, despite the intensity of the strikes, which have reportedly caused significant damage to civilian properties, the militants have largely retained their positions. Ground offensives by Somali forces and allied militias have yet to dislodge Al-Shabaab from its newly captured territories.
Former military officials and security experts have repeatedly cautioned that air power alone is insufficient to defeat Al-Shabaab. They argue that Somalia requires a robust, well-equipped ground force capable of pursuing insurgents across diverse terrains, including bushlands, rural areas, and barren landscapes.
However, the development of such a force remains a distant prospect, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of current strategies.
The situation underscores the complex challenges facing Somalia and its allies in their fight against Al-Shabaab. While international support, including Ethiopia’s recent involvement, has provided some critical momentum, the absence of a strong, self-reliant Somali military continues to hinder efforts to decisively counter the militant threat.
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