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In a decisive move to curb the influence of the militant group Al-Shabaab, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has extended sanctions against the group, while the United States Africa Command (Africom) continues its airstrikes in Somalia. The sanctions, which target illegal arms imports and charcoal exports, aim to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s financial and operational capabilities, further isolating the group from its resources.
The UNSC’s decision, authorized this week, allows member states to inspect vessels suspected of transporting banned items to and from Somalia. The sanctions will remain in effect until December 13, 2025, with the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Al-Shabaab sanctions regime extended until January 13, 2026. The resolution, adopted unanimously, underscores the international community’s commitment to preventing Al-Shabaab and other actors from undermining peace and security in Somalia and the region.
The Somali government, its army, police force, custodial corps, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency are exempt from the sanctions, allowing them to continue receiving necessary military supplies. The UNSC’s resolution also highlights the particular concern posed by the flow of weapons from Yemen to Somalia, with Al-Shabaab’s links to the Houthis being part of a broader pattern of destabilizing activity in the region.
Meanwhile, Africom has intensified its airstrikes against Al-Shabaab, conducting multiple sorties at the request of the Somali government. The airstrikes, which began on February 1, 2025, have targeted identified Al-Shabaab sites with initial assessments indicating no civilian casualties. Africom’s public affairs office stated that the airstrikes are part of ongoing efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the US homeland, its partners, and civilians.
The collaboration between Africom and the Somali government has been instrumental in achieving these military successes. The airstrikes have targeted key Al-Shabaab operatives and disrupted their activities, significantly weakening the group’s operational capabilities. Africom’s commitment to preventing civilian harm and ensuring the safety of Somali citizens has been a vital aspect of these operations.
The UNSC’s resolution and Africom’s continued airstrikes reflect a coordinated international effort to combat terrorism in Somalia. The sanctions are designed to further degrade Al-Shabaab, disrupt its finances, and strengthen international collaboration in the fight against terrorism. The resolution also calls for additional designations of Al-Shabaab operatives to ensure that the group’s influence is curtailed.
The international community has expressed support for the UNSC’s decision, with several member states emphasizing the importance of maintaining pressure on Al-Shabaab. The representative of the United Kingdom noted that the resolution retains a powerful package of sanctions designed to support Somalia in building its capabilities and achieving long-term stability. The US representative echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for continued dialogue between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to address the flow of arms from Yemen to Somalia.
As the situation in Somalia remains volatile, the extension of sanctions and the intensification of airstrikes are crucial steps in the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab. The international community’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism is evident in these coordinated efforts. The success of these measures will depend on the continued collaboration between Somali forces, Africom, and international partners.
The UNSC’s resolution and Africom’s airstrikes send a clear message to Al-Shabaab and other militant groups: the international community will not tolerate actions that threaten peace and security in Somalia and the region. The fight against terrorism is far from over, but these decisive actions represent significant progress in the quest for stability and security in Somalia.