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Somalia’s Custodial Corps has deployed newly trained soldiers to the battlefront in a bid to strengthen ongoing military campaigns against the extremist group al-Shabab. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Maj. Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, who leads the corps. He said the deployment is meant to reinforce Somali troops already engaged in operations across southern and central regions of the country, where the insurgent group has maintained its strongest presence. According to Aden, these forces are not only filling in at existing battle lines but also helping to increase the momentum of offensives designed to weaken the militants’ hold on communities.
Traditionally, the Custodial Corps has been responsible for managing prisons and guarding high-risk detainees. However, as the government broadens its approach to defeating al-Shabab, the corps has now been given a frontline role. This shift reflects a larger strategy to involve every branch of Somalia’s security forces in the fight, underscoring the seriousness of the government’s effort to bring an end to the group’s insurgency. Aden urged the soldiers to remain disciplined and professional in their conduct, reminding them that protecting the nation’s security is a shared responsibility among all Somali forces.
In recent weeks, Somali troops have stepped up operations with the backing of both international and regional allies. These efforts have included ground offensives as well as targeted airstrikes aimed at al-Shabab bases and hideouts. Much of the fighting has been concentrated in southern and central Somalia, areas long considered the heartland of the insurgency. By adding the Custodial Corps to frontline duty, the government hopes to ease the pressure on other branches of the military while ensuring there is enough manpower to sustain the offensives.
The decision to send prison guards and custodial officers to combat may seem unusual, but it highlights the government’s determination to maximize all available resources. For years, al-Shabab has posed a severe threat to Somalia’s stability, staging frequent attacks that range from roadside bombings to targeted assassinations and coordinated assaults on both military and civilian targets. The group’s tactics have caused widespread fear and instability, making it clear that defeating them requires an all-hands-on-deck approach.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has been waging its insurgency for more than 15 years. Despite numerous efforts to dismantle its network, the militants have continued to adapt and launch deadly operations. The government’s current strategy is aimed at not just repelling these attacks but also breaking the group’s ability to control territory, recruit fighters, and fund its operations. To do this, Somalia has been relying on a mix of its national forces, local militias, and support from partners including the African Union and other regional allies.
By mobilizing forces like the Custodial Corps for frontline duties, the Somali government is signaling that no resource will be left untapped in its campaign to end the insurgency. The presence of these newly trained troops on the battlefield is expected to give Somali forces a much-needed boost, particularly in areas where holding ground against al-Shabab has proven difficult. While the challenges remain immense, the move reflects growing confidence within Somalia’s leadership that unity and determination across all branches of its security forces can make a difference in the long fight for peace.