Somalia Brief: Security operation, regional diplomacy, and capacity building

Jan 31, 2026 — Security raid, regional talks, and diplomatic outreach

Top story

• Overview: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it carried out a targeted special operation in the village of Maha‑Said, Middle Shabelle, against senior "Kharijites" leaders who were reportedly meeting to plan attacks; the operation was executed while militants were gathered and is described as a significant blow to the group's leadership. (Source: SONNA)
• Why it matters: The agency frames the raid as part of ongoing intelligence‑led efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, prevent planned attacks, and protect civilians — a central government priority for stabilizing security across affected regions.
• Source: Primary — SONNA report on NISA operation

What else happened

• Diplomacy — Prime Minister meets Chinese ambassador: PM Hamza Abdi Barre hosted China’s Ambassador Wang Yu to discuss expanding cooperation on security, trade and infrastructure, with both sides agreeing to maintain close communication on implementing discussed initiatives. (Source: SONNA)
• Diplomacy — Somalia at India–Arab meeting: Foreign Minister Abdisalam Ali participated in the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, joining Arab counterparts and India’s leadership to advance political dialogue and practical cooperation. (Source: SONNA)
• Diplomacy — Foreign minister’s arrival in New Delhi: Abdisalam Abdi Ali landed in New Delhi ahead of the Arab‑India summit to press for stronger economic ties and South‑South cooperation. (Source: SONNA)
• Regional politics — President visits Jigjiga: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Jigjiga for high‑level talks with leaders from Djibouti and Ethiopia, traveling with a senior delegation including the Deputy PM; he was received by the Somali Regional State president and local officials. (Source: SONNA)
• Security cooperation — New EUTM commander: Brigadier General Elio Manes assumed command of the EU Training Mission in Somalia and pledged to deepen cooperation so Somali forces can increasingly plan and lead their own security operations. (Source: SONNA)
• Governance — Energy ministers converge in Dhusamareeb: Federal Energy and Water Minister Abdullahi Bidhaan Warsame arrived in Dhusamareeb to chair a Coordination Meeting bringing federal and state officials together to harmonize energy and water strategies. (Source: SONNA)
• Accountability — Somalia completes audit training in Turkey: Somali Audit Office delegates, led by the Deputy Auditor General, completed a financial audit training program in Ankara with the Turkish Court of Auditors and TİKA, and received certificates. (Source: SONNA)
• Diaspora relations — Deputy information minister in London: Deputy Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al Adala arrived in London for strategic talks and was welcomed by members of the Somali diaspora and media professionals. (Source: SONNA)
• Criminal networks — Somali security chiefs attend Rome summit: A Somali delegation of top security and immigration officials joined a Rome conference to coordinate international responses against human trafficking and irregular migration. (Source: SONNA)

On the ground

• At the Ankara audit training closing ceremony, participating Somali auditors were awarded certificates — a visible step in boosting public financial oversight capacity. (Source: SONNA)
• Deputy Minister Al Adala’s London arrival included a warm reception from Somali community members, media professionals and civil society representatives at Heathrow. (Source: SONNA)
• In Jigjiga, President Mohamud and his delegation were received by local officials and community members, underscoring community-level engagement around the regional talks. (Source: SONNA)

Watchlist

• Follow official updates from NISA for details on the Middle Shabelle operation, including any statements on casualties, arrests, or follow‑on actions. (Source: SONNA)
• Look for concrete cooperation agreements or project timelines from PM Barre’s talks with the Chinese ambassador on security assistance, trade and infrastructure. (Source: SONNA)
• Expect communiqués or outcomes from the India–Arab meeting in New Delhi that could signal new economic or diplomatic initiatives involving Somalia. (Source: SONNA)
• Watch for announcements from the Dhusamareeb coordination meeting on national energy and water policy alignment between the Federal Government and member states. (Source: SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.