By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government is preparing a large-scale military operation as part of its ongoing campaign against militant groups, officials and security sources said, amid reports of increased military activity in the capital.
Residents in Mogadishu reported seeing fighter aircraft conducting low-altitude training flights over parts of the city, a rare sight that has drawn public attention. According to government-aligned sources, the pilots involved in the exercises are Somali nationals, reflecting efforts to strengthen the country’s own air force capabilities.
Government officials described the preparations as part of a broader strategy to intensify military pressure on extremist groups operating in central and southern Somalia. While authorities have not publicly disclosed details of the planned operation, they said the effort would involve coordinated ground and air components aimed at improving national security.
“This is part of building a professional and capable national defense force,” a senior security official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
Somalia has in recent years increased investment in rebuilding its armed forces with support from international partners, following decades of conflict that left its military institutions severely weakened.
The Somali government has repeatedly vowed to expand operations against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked group that continues to carry out attacks despite sustained offensives by Somali forces and allied militias.
Officials urged the public to remain calm, saying the air activity over Mogadishu was linked to training and operational readiness. No official timeline has been announced for the start of the operation.
The developments come as the government seeks to demonstrate growing military self-reliance and national unity amid ongoing security challenges.
