Somalia claims to have recaptured 55% of territory once held by al-Shabab and ISIS

Sunday October 25, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali federal government says its security forces have recaptured more than 55% of territory previously controlled by al-Shabab and Islamic State militants over the past five years, freeing at least 1.5 million people from the groups’ control.

National Security Adviser Aweys Haji Yusuf Ahmed announced the figures during the 2026 Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar, this week, highlighting significant gains in Somalia’s campaign against armed groups.

“Reflecting on security efforts in Somalia over the past five years, the operations conducted have resulted in the return of more than half of the territory once held by these groups to government control,” Ahmed said.

He also claimed that government measures had reduced militant financing by 35%, while attacks linked to armed groups in major Somali cities had declined by approximately 89%.

The figures could not be independently verified, and Ahmed did not provide detailed data explaining how the territorial gains, reductions in financing or decline in attacks were calculated.

Ahmed said the military operations had weakened al-Shabab and ISIS while allowing the government to restore administrative authority in areas previously controlled by the groups.

He emphasized that Somalia’s security challenges extend beyond its borders, warning that militant activities, organized crime and instability threaten the wider Horn of Africa.

The national security adviser called for stronger regional cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism operations, intelligence sharing, border security and efforts to combat transnational organized crime.

“Somalia remained committed to working with neighboring countries and international partners to prevent armed groups from exploiting regional security gaps,” he added.

Somalia has conducted successive military offensives against al-Shabab, including operations supported by local militias and international security partners.

However, the militant group continues to carry out attacks against government forces and civilian targets and remains active in parts of southern and central Somalia.

The government's latest claims come amid continuing efforts to consolidate control of recovered areas, strengthen local administrations and prevent militants from returning to territories previously captured by security forces.