U.S. Embassy warns of imminent Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia, urges caution

U.S. Embassy warns of imminent Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia, urges caution

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday March 4, 2025


[File: Osman Hassan/AP]

Mogadishu (HOL) — The U.S. Embassy in Somalia issued a security alert on Tuesday evening, warning of “potential imminent attacks” targeting multiple locations, including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The advisory follows a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks across central Somalia, where militants have launched coordinated assaults, seized key towns, and advanced closer to the capital.

“All movements of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu personnel have been cancelled until further notice,” the embassy stated, citing “credible information” about the threats. The U.S. Department of State’s Level Four travel advisory for Somalia remains in effect, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel due to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”

The security alert follows weeks of intensified militant activity that has exposed shortcomings in Somalia’s counterinsurgency efforts. Since February 20, Al-Shabaab has launched at least nine attacks across Middle Shabelle and Hiraan, temporarily seizing several towns, including Balcad—just 30 kilometres from Mogadishu—before being repelled by Somali forces.

The Somali government, backed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes, has countered the offensive, killing over 130 militants in recent clashes, according to official statements. However, Al-Shabaab has released photographic evidence of its fighters occupying government buildings in multiple locations, raising concerns about the group’s ability to regroup and exploit security gaps.

The U.S. Embassy emphasized that “terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks” in Somalia, often with little or no warning. High-risk targets include government buildings, military convoys, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other public gathering spaces frequented by Westerners. The militants have used car bombs, suicide attacks, small-arms assaults, and mortar fire in recent operations.

The U.S. government has reiterated its limited capacity to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Somalia due to the lack of a permanent consular presence. American citizens currently in the country are urged to exercise heightened caution, remain vigilant, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates.