Somalia Brief: Security Surge and Policy Push

Jan 23, 2026 — Security wins, legal reform, diplomacy, and business talks

Top story

• Major counter-offensive secures Kudhaa after heavy fighting.The Somali National Army’s elite Danab commandos, working with Jubbaland forces and international partners, carried out an intelligence-led operation around Kudhaa in Lower Juba that the government says killed over 130 militants and recovered weapons and vehicles. Troops report ongoing clearing patrols and a sustained presence to prevent a return by the insurgents.Why it matters: The operation, if sustained, reinforces federal-regional security cooperation and aims to deny militants access to a strategic coastal town and maritime routes.Sources: Primary: SONNA — SNA & partners on Kudhaa; also from: SONNA — Danab & Jubbaland counter-offensive, SONNA — PM Hamza commends forces

What else happened

• Cabinet backs security operations; approves maritime and postal policies — The Council of Ministers praised the Kudhaa operation and approved a Port State Control MoU for the Indian Ocean and a National Postal Policy for 2025–2030. (SONNA)
• Defense minister attends Doha military graduation — Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi attended an officers’ passing-out at Ahmed bin Mohamed Military College where Qatar’s Emir awarded medals, and he thanked Qatar for supporting SNA training. (SONNA)
• Security minister holds Doha talks on cooperation and infrastructure — Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail met Qatar’s state minister to discuss intelligence sharing and projects that tie security to social and economic infrastructure. (SONNA)
• Criminal code overhaul submitted to parliament — Justice Minister Hassan Moallim presented a new Somali Criminal Code to the House of the People, replacing the 1962 law; MPs questioned principles during first reading. (SONNA)
• Minister of Commerce meets Mogadishu business leaders — Minister Jamaal Mohamed Hassan pledged government support for industrial growth, local manufacturing and export expansion in talks with the Benadir business community. (SONNA)
• High-level diplomacy: president and delegations abroad — President Hassan Sheikh called Uganda’s Museveni to congratulate him on re-election and reaffirm ties; separate Somali delegations are visiting Pakistan and Qatar to boost cooperation. (SONNA; SONNA)

On the ground

• Graduation scenes in Doha: Somali officers stood with international peers as Qatar’s Emir presented medals to top-performing cadets. (SONNA)
• Residents of Kudhaa reportedly remain under protection as Danab and Jubbaland troops maintain checkpoints and conduct clearing patrols to secure the town and surrounding rural areas. (SONNA)
• Business leaders in Mogadishu described practical public‑private opportunities for logistics and manufacturing during talks with the commerce minister. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Official verification of the casualty and equipment figures from the Kudhaa operation; further details on follow-up clearing operations. (SONNA)
• Parliamentary debate and next readings or votes on the new Criminal Code and how lawmakers will shape its provisions. (SONNA)
• Implementation timelines for the Port State Control MoU and the National Postal Policy, and any follow-up agreements from Doha and Pakistan visits. (SONNA; SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.