MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somali State Minister of Defense, Omar Ali Ahmed, said on Sunday that the government is closely monitoring suspended military officers he accused of leaking sensitive intelligence on troop movements to Al-Shabaab militants.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mogadishu, Ahmed disclosed that a number of officers, currently not on active duty, have been visiting frontline towns to gather and share critical information about army positions and operations with the militant group.
He warned that the government would take decisive action against those involved, including stripping them of their ranks if they continue to collude with the enemy.
The allegations come amid heightened tensions within the Somali military, which has faced significant setbacks in recent weeks. Al-Shabaab’s sustained offensive in the Middle Shabelle region has forced government troops into retreat, with many towns falling under militant control.
The reported infiltration of suspended officers has further exacerbated the challenges faced by the Somali defense forces.
However, the timing and motives behind the State Minister’s public disclosure remain unclear. Questions have been raised about why the government has not yet taken concrete action against the accused officers and whether the announcement was intended to deflect attention from the military’s recent struggles.
The allegations also cast a shadow over the Somali Ministry of Defense and its armed forces, which have long grappled with internal disarray and operational inefficiencies. The latest revelations underscore the urgent need for structural reforms and stronger counterintelligence measures to safeguard national security.
As the government vows to address the issue, concerns persist over the potential demoralizing effect such disclosures could have on frontline troops already battling a resilient insurgency. The situation highlights the complex challenges Somalia faces in its ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
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