U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has expressed deep concern regarding the significant increase in ISIS fighters in northern Somalia, with estimates indicating that the group has roughly doubled in size over the past year. General Michael Langley, the head of AFRICOM, shared these alarming insights in an exclusive interview, highlighting the rising threat posed by the terrorist organization.
Although Langley did not disclose specific figures regarding the current number of ISIS militants, previous assessments suggested that around 200 fighters were operating in northern Somalia. The increase in their ranks raises concerns about a potential influx of foreign fighters into the region. Brigadier General Abdi Hassan Hussein, the former police chief of Puntland, previously estimated that the number of foreign ISIS fighters in Puntland could be in the hundreds, though this figure remains unverified by local authorities.
The ongoing activities of ISIS coincide with heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland regarding the use of the Red Sea port of Berbera. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre accused Ethiopia of violating Somalia’s territorial integrity, a dispute that al-Shabab, another extremist group linked to al-Qaeda, has exploited for recruitment purposes.
Al-Shabab, which has recently regained strength, reportedly boasts between 12,000 and 13,000 fighters. This resurgence can be attributed to effective financing and aggressive recruitment efforts. Langley emphasized that the political divide between Somalia and Ethiopia has limited their ability to cooperate on counterterrorism initiatives, although he expressed hope that both nations could unite to combat extremist groups effectively.
The challenges posed by these groups are further compounded by the ongoing threat from Houthi militants in Yemen. Langley cautioned that the Houthis, supported by Iran, may seek to collaborate with al-Shabab, potentially destabilizing the Gulf of Aden and impacting global commerce.
In light of these developments, Langley reiterated the necessity for a credible holding force to ensure that territories liberated from extremist control are not re-infiltrated by al-Shabab. He also emphasized the importance of continued U.S. support and training for Somali forces, particularly as the African Union Transition Mission prepares to conclude its operations later this year.
The international community remains watchful as Somalia grapples with the dual threats of ISIS and al-Shabab, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response to enhance stability in the region.