By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 19 Aug, 2026 — Attacks linked to Al Shabaab in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu have fallen sharply in recent years, with deaths in 2026 on track to reach their lowest level since the militant group emerged in the mid-2000s, according to an analysis by The Economist based on ACLED data.
In an article published on 13 August titled “Mogadishu no longer deserves its deadly reputation,” The Economist said the number of attacks in the capital dropped from 144 in the third quarter of 2022 to just five in the second quarter of 2026.
The steep decline marks a significant shift for Mogadishu, which for years has been associated with Al Shabaab bombings, shootings and other armed violence.
ACLED, an independent conflict-monitoring organization, collects data on political violence worldwide. The Economist used its figures to assess changes in security in the Somali capital.
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The data suggests the decline has been sustained rather than short-term. However, Al Shabaab remains capable of carrying out attacks in Mogadishu and elsewhere in Somalia.
The Somali government and security forces, backed by international partners, have been fighting the al Qaeda-linked group for years. Al Shabaab still controls parts of the countryside and has staged attacks in the capital and other regions.
The drop in Mogadishu violence comes as Somali forces and allied troops continue operations against Al Shabaab, while the government seeks to extend control over areas previously held by the group.
ACLED also noted that its figures indicate 2026 is on course for the fewest al-Shabaab-linked deaths in Mogadishu since the mid-2000s.