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Somalia Country Profile
Somalia has been engaged in warfare with militia clans and jihadist groups for decades. Despite support from regional armed forces, the United States, and others the insurgent groups - like Al Shabaab - remain a constant threat to security.
Al Shabaab
As of mid-2025, al-Shabaab maintains significant control over various regions in Somalia, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. The group's influence is most pronounced in rural areas of Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Hiraan, Galgaduud, and parts of Bakool and Lower Juba. These regions have seen a resurgence of al-Shabaab activity, with the group launching offensives to reclaim territories lost in previous years.
In early 2025, al-Shabaab initiated the "Shabelle Offensive," aiming to encircle Mogadishu and disrupt the Somali government's control. Key towns such as Adan Yabal, Bal'ad, and Wargaadhi experienced intense clashes, with control shifting between government forces and al-Shabaab militants. The group's ability to launch coordinated attacks and temporarily seize strategic locations underscores its persistent threat to Somalia's stability.
Special Operations Forces in Somalia
Danab Brigade. This unit is supported by the United States and has provided a special operations capability to the Somalia government in the fight against al-Shabaab. The Danab Battalion (now a multi-battalion brigade as of 2020?) is a U.S.-trained elite Somali commando unit operating under the Somali National Army (SNA), primarily tasked with conducting counterterrorism and special operations against Al-Shabaab and other militant groups. Formed in the early 2010s with significant support from U.S. Special Operations Forces, Danab has grown into one of Somalia’s most capable military forces. The unit receives specialized training in intelligence-driven raids, urban combat, and hostage rescue.
Gorgor Commando Brigade. This is a major component of the Somali National Army (SNA) that has been trained by Turkey. As of June 2023, nine Gorgor infantry battalions have been trained by in both Somalia at Camp TURKSOM (Wikipedia) and in Turkey.The Gorgor brigade, aka "African Eagle", is part of a broader military cooperation agreement with Somalia that began in 2015. The initial Gorgor battalion is believed to have been fielded in 2019.
References
Muibu, Daisy and Yayedior Mbengue, "Somalia at a Crossroads:
Resurgent Insurgents, Fragmented Politics, and the Uncertain
Future of AUSSOM", CTC Sentinel, Combating Terrorism
Center at West Point, May 2025.
https://ctc.westpoint.edu/somalia-at-a-crossroads-resurgent-insurgents-fragmented-politics-and-the-uncertain-future-of-aussom/
Maps
View a map depicting areas of control by Al-Shabaab in
Somalia (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Emirate_of_Somalia
News Articles
June 3, 2025, "Flailing State: The Resurgence of al-Shabaab", by Ashley Jackson, War on the Rocks.
May 27, 2025, "How U.S. cuts in Somalia could imperil the fight against al-Shabab", The Washington Post. (subscription)
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