Al-Shabaab

Rule Changes

Threatened to attack any Israeli presence in Somaliland

On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland as independent, 34 years after the region broke from Somalia during a civil war. Prime Minister Netanyahu called President Abdullahi to announce full diplomatic ties, framing the move through the Abraham Accords and citing Somaliland's fight against terrorism. Within days, Somalia's parliament declared the recognition "null and void," the UN Security Council held an emergency session, and 21 Muslim-majority nations issued a joint condemnation.

Updated 5 days ago

Force in Play

Controls large areas of central and southern Somalia

A Kenyan-registered plane carried 109 Ugandan soldiers out of Mogadishu on 30 October, the first group of a planned full exit. Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced the pullout a day earlier and set August 2027 as the target for the last troops to leave.

Updated Nov 3

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Al-Qaeda affiliate controlling substantial territory in southern Somalia

Since 2007, the United States has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and special operations raids against al-Shabaab in Somalia—more than in any other country outside of declared war zones. On February 16, 2026, Jubaland and American forces completed a four-day operation in Badhadhe District, killing more than 60 al-Shabaab fighters and destroying camps, communication centers, and depots with over 100 types of explosives.

Updated May 29