Mogadishu: For more than three decades, Somalia has been defined in the headlines by conflict, terrorism, and fragility. That story is changing. Today, Somalia is closer to defeating terrorism than at any point in its modern history.
According to Anadolu Agency, security is the entry point for restoring trust between citizens and government. Somalia's state strategy shows the path to defeating terrorism militarily, financially, and ideologically. But national security is not just about defeating enemies; it is about constructing the pillars of a modern Somali state: accountable governance, resilient institutions, and a society that benefits from a government providing safety and opportunity.
Over the past three years, Somali security forces, supported by communities and international partners, have launched one of the most substantial kinetic counterterrorism campaigns in the nation's history. The results are undeniable: territories reclaimed, communities liberated, lives saved, and cities made much safer. The myth of Al-Shabaab's invincibility is considerably decomposing.
In 2022, Somali security forces engaged in comprehensive counterterrorism operations, reclaiming vast territories from al-Shabaab and ISIS in central and eastern regions. Over 1.5 million citizens have been freed from the coercion of terrorists. Territories once controlled by terrorist organizations now see the return of rule of law, service delivery, schools, and clinics.
In regions like Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Puntland, the operational capacities of these terrorist organizations have been severely degraded. Fighters have been cut off from supplies, morale has collapsed, and many have surrendered to government forces. Airstrikes have yielded significant results, indicating a group in retreat, unable to sustain prolonged battles.
The Somali National Army and AUSSOM forces, backed by international partners, have advanced through Operation Silent Storm in Lower Shabelle. This operation has driven Al-Shabaab into rural hideouts and restored government authority over critical supply routes and regions surrounding Mogadishu.
Simultaneously, Somalia is preparing for larger operations, with more than 20,000 new soldiers joining national ranks to ensure that liberated communities remain secure. Between May 2022 and September 2025, terrorist-related incidents in Mogadishu have decreased by 85%, with new security measures making the city safer for families, citizens, and investors.
Financially, Somalia has taken significant steps to cut off terrorist finances. In less than three years, the government achieved a 53% reduction in terrorist revenues, prosecuting over 300 cases of terrorist financing, investigating over 3,500 bank accounts, and freezing millions of dollars. Sanctions against senior al-Shabaab operatives have stripped the group of funding access.
On the ideological front, Somalia is reclaiming the narrative from terrorist groups. A National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism has been approved, and religious scholars have issued a unified Fatwa declaring terrorist ideology un-Islamic, depleting public support for terrorist organizations.
Beyond security, these counterterrorism victories are part of a broader recovery. Somalia is consolidating federal institutions, moving toward universal suffrage elections, and prioritizing reconciliation with Federal Member States. Economically, fiscal reforms have been implemented, paving the way for debt relief and economic growth.
With combined efforts at the government, federal, and state levels, Somalia envisions a future free from terrorism. The progress achieved is Somali-led but internationally supported. This transformative period for Somalia represents a significant moment in its history, showcasing the potential for stability and growth.