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The Somali government has sought to reassure the public and international community after Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines temporarily suspended flights to Mogadishu. The suspensions followed a U.S. Embassy warning of potential imminent terrorist attacks targeting key locations, including Aden Adde International Airport. Despite the heightened alert, Somali officials have downplayed the security concerns, insisting that the situation remains under control.
The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued its advisory on March 4, citing credible intelligence about possible extremist attacks. The warning prompted the embassy to cancel all movements of its personnel and reiterated the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Somalia due to ongoing threats of terrorism, crime, and civil unrest. The advisory specifically highlighted potential targets such as airports, government buildings, hotels, and other areas frequented by Westerners.
In response, Somalia’s Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Fardowsa Osman Egal, dismissed the need for flight suspensions, stating that no direct threats had been identified by Somali intelligence. “There is no security situation that warrants the suspension of international flights to Mogadishu,” Egal said in an interview. She emphasized that the government continues to receive comprehensive intelligence briefings and has not relayed any immediate threats to airlines.
Turkish Airlines, which has operated flights to Mogadishu for over a decade, reportedly consulted Somali authorities before halting operations. Egal clarified that the U.S. advisory did not originate from Somali intelligence and assured the airline of the airport’s safety. While flights were initially paused, Turkish Airlines has since resumed operations after receiving assurances from Somali officials. Qatar Airways, however, has yet to announce a timeline for resuming its services.
Despite the temporary disruptions, other international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Uganda Airlines, have continued their scheduled flights to Mogadishu without interruption. Somali authorities have expressed confidence that the suspended flights will soon resume, minimizing the impact on international air travel to the capital.
The U.S. warning comes amid a resurgence of Al-Shabaab activity in Somalia. The militant group, which has waged an insurgency for over a decade, has recently intensified its attacks in central regions, including Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan. Somali forces, backed by African Union troops and U.S. airstrikes, have launched counter-offensives to reclaim territory and weaken the group’s operational capabilities.
While the Somali government acknowledges the ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab, officials have sought to project an image of resilience and stability. The government has increased troop deployments in key regions and implemented additional security measures at Aden Adde International Airport, one of the most heavily guarded facilities in the country.
Egal’s remarks reflect the government’s broader strategy to maintain public confidence and attract international investment. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all travelers and maintaining the operational integrity of our airport,” she said. The minister also highlighted Somalia’s progress in counterterrorism efforts, citing recent successes in neutralizing Al-Shabaab operatives and disrupting their networks.
The U.S. Embassy’s warning has underscored the challenges Somalia faces in its fight against terrorism. While the government has made strides in improving security, the persistent threat of extremist attacks continues to pose significant risks. The embassy’s advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and international cooperation in addressing these challenges.
As Somalia works to reassure its citizens and international partners, the focus remains on strengthening security measures and fostering stability. The temporary flight suspensions highlight the delicate balance between addressing legitimate security concerns and maintaining normalcy in a country striving to rebuild after decades of conflict.