Al-Shabaab’s Growing Menace: Why the World Can’t Look Away
Somalia’s conflict is now becoming a part of a bigger regional and international security problem together with Al-Shabaab. In 2025, Al-Shabaab resurgence is financed through illicit financing and the building of alliances is deepened, a global concern. And here’s an update of how Al-Shabaab is transitioning and why continued action is needed.
The militant group reactivated support zones in central and southern regions, which were not used over the past three years, blocking the supply lines to Mogadishu.
Sophisticated Arsenal: The documents spread by this group show their using Chinese weaponry, and arms provided by Houthi furnish their armory.
Economic Warfare
Neither the group nor its associates lay any claim to more than $100 million in extortions, charcoal peddling and zakat donations.
In May 2025, U.S. sanctions blocked a money-laundering ring that stretched from Cyprus, Kenya, and Uganda, associated with Al-Shabaab.
AU Mission Challenges: If AUSSOM is short by $96M, a danger arises that the security vacuum would favour Al-Shabaab.
Local Alliances: While the SNA works together with the clan militias, internal schisms prevent their progress.
The transformation of Al-Shabaab into a global scourge of terror, together with its local prominence, is responsible for its continued threat. By stopping its finances and supporting Somali security forces are necessary procedures to prevent a new wave of terror.
Al-Shabaab’s Tactical Escalation
In early 2025, 50% more attacks occurred, and the number of attacks surged in Hiraan, and Middle Shabelle provinces.The militant group reactivated support zones in central and southern regions, which were not used over the past three years, blocking the supply lines to Mogadishu.
Sophisticated Arsenal: The documents spread by this group show their using Chinese weaponry, and arms provided by Houthi furnish their armory.
Economic Warfare
Neither the group nor its associates lay any claim to more than $100 million in extortions, charcoal peddling and zakat donations.
In May 2025, U.S. sanctions blocked a money-laundering ring that stretched from Cyprus, Kenya, and Uganda, associated with Al-Shabaab.
Regional and Global Risks
Red Sea Collusion: Intelligence agencies have shown documentation of Al-Shabaab discussing drones and missiles with Yemen’s Houthis, a threat to shipping lines.AU Mission Challenges: If AUSSOM is short by $96M, a danger arises that the security vacuum would favour Al-Shabaab.
What’s Being Done?
Drone Strikes: Al-Shabaab in 2025 has received more than 76 missions against it from coordinated air strikes by Türkiye, U.S., and other partners.Local Alliances: While the SNA works together with the clan militias, internal schisms prevent their progress.
The transformation of Al-Shabaab into a global scourge of terror, together with its local prominence, is responsible for its continued threat. By stopping its finances and supporting Somali security forces are necessary procedures to prevent a new wave of terror.
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