Ethiopian airpower has been deployed to halt Al-Shabaab militants advancing toward Mogadishu after the terrorist group seized control of Balcad, a strategic town just 22 miles north of the Somali capital. The escalation highlights the persistent security failures of the Somali administration, despite receiving billions of dollars in military aid and training from the United States, Turkey, and other international partners.

Brigadier Ahmed Abdullahi of the Somali National Army (SNA) acknowledged the intervention, tweeting:

“In a coordinated effort, Ethiopian air power has joined to bolster counterterrorism operations against Khawarij elements attempting to destabilize Middle Shabelle. The Somalia National Armed Forces, alongside local defense forces and with crucial support from AU partners, is decisively repelling these incursions. The rapid and substantial reinforcement from Hiiraan and Galgadud has been instrumental in this operation, demonstrating a unified and robust response.”

This military intervention comes in the wake of recently resolved tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (AUUSOM). In early 2024, the Somali government had requested the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops serving under AUUSOM, citing concerns over Ethiopia’s security pact with Somaliland. However, this request was reversed after the signing of the Ankara Declaration—a trilateral security agreement between Somalia, Turkey, and Ethiopia—which paved the way for renewed Ethiopian counterterrorism support in Somalia.

Following the Ankara Declaration, high-level government and military delegations from both sides conducted official visits to solidify cooperation. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Addis Ababa, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reciprocated with a visit to Mogadishu, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral security and political ties.

Despite two decades of international support and financial aid, Somalia’s security forces continue to struggle against the Al-Shabaab insurgency, exposing the country’s fragile state and the ongoing challenges of its security strategy. However, the recent diplomatic engagements between Somalia and Ethiopia signal a renewed commitment to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.