Tuesday September 30, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia’s Custodial Corps has sent newly trained troops to the frontlines to reinforce military operations against al-Shabab, the corps commander announced Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden said the deployment is intended to bolster joint security forces already engaged in combat across southern and central Somalia. He added that the reinforcements will support troops holding battle lines and help intensify ongoing offensives against the extremist group.
The Custodial Corps, once limited to guarding prisons and high-risk detainees, has taken on a combat role as part of the government’s broader strategy to mobilize all branches of the security services in the fight against al-Shabab.“The new forces we trained will provide critical support on the frontlines,” Mahad said. He urged the soldiers to demonstrate discipline and professionalism, emphasizing that safeguarding the nation’s security is a duty shared by all Somali forces.
Somali troops, backed by international and regional partners, have escalated both airstrikes and ground assaults in recent weeks. The campaigns have targeted al-Shabab bases and hideouts, particularly in southern and central regions where the group maintains its strongest foothold.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has waged an insurgency in Somalia for more than 15 years, frequently carrying out bombings, assassinations and assaults against military and civilian targets. The government has pledged to intensify operations until the group is defeated.