Operation Black Lion: What You Need to Know About Somalia's Major Counterterrorism

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has on Thursday delivered his speech at the United Nations Security Council’s meeting, focusing on the critical issue of security in Somalia. 

In his speech, the President unveiled his government's roadmap for progress and the plan to fight against the Al-Shabaab militant group in what he described as "Operation Black Lion," which is expected to start in July. Somalia's forces will collaborate with non-ATMIS forces from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia. This joint operation signifies a united effort to combat the threat of Al-Shabaab and restore peace and stability to the nation.

"Looking ahead to the next phase in our fight against terrorism is 'Operation Black Lion.' This critical offensive aims to liberate the remaining Al-Shabaab-controlled territories across the country. With the support of our frontline states, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, we are confident that this campaign will significantly degrade Al-Shabaab and pave the way for sustainable peace and security," the President said.

The President further highlighted the deployment of multinational planning and operational experts to the joint coordination command post in Mogadishu. The President emphasized the commitment to minimize harm to civilians throughout the operation.

“Although we have encountered slight setback due to the rainfall, a force generation requirement operation’s planning is well underway. A team of multinational planning operational experts have been deployed to joint coordination command post in Mogadishu. This operation holds immense significant in our quest for lasting peace and security. In addition, we will have teams actively monitoring the civilian protection component in the upcoming military operation, this demonstrates our commitment to minimize civilians’ harm and uphold human rights throughout the operations,” he added.

At a crucial time in Somalia's security landscape, the drawdown of ATMIS forces, which have been stationed in the country for the past 15 years, coincides with the initiation of Operation Black Lion. As part of a planned transition, the ATMIS forces have begun transferring military bases to the Somali National Army, marking a significant step towards greater self-reliance. Among Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) that have already been transferred are Mir-taqwo, Hajji Ali, Marka Ayoub, and Arbao, symbolizing a tangible shift in responsibility and control.

“ATMIS this morning handed over Mir-taqwo Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the Hirshabelle State to the SNA. The gradual handover of security responsibilities is in line with UNSC Resolutions 2628 and 2670 which mandates ATMIS to drawdown 2000 troops by the end of June 2023,” ATMIS said in a tweet, signifying the gradual transfer of security responsibilities

As the drawdown process continues, ATMIS forces are set to hand over additional bases, scheduled for transfer within the month of June. The forthcoming transfers include Adale, Aljazeera one, and Geriley, marking further progress in the planned drawdown of international forces and the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali National Army. With each transition, Somalia moves closer to assuming full control over its security apparatus, ensuring its ability to safeguard its territory and protect its people from the threat posed by Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups.