Mogadishu, (IDNE, News Desk) β The security situation in southern Somalia has deteriorated significantly, as ISIS (Daesh) strengthens its presence amidst ongoing instability.
On May 29, 2024, ISIS claimed responsibility for an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a police checkpoint in Dayniile Village, located in the capital, Mogadishu.
The attack, which targeted security forces, resulted in the deaths of several police officers and injuries to numerous civilians.
The incident marks a concerning escalation in ISIS activity in Banadir region.
On June 1, 2024, FRANCE24 reported on the attack, highlighting the growing threat posed by the group.
This development comes as the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) struggles to combat Al-Shabab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terror network that has dominated approximately 60% of southern Somalia for the past two decades.
The persistent insecurity has created a power vacuum that ISIS is now exploiting to expand its influence and control. As radical extremism continues to flourish in southern Somalia, the potential for increased conflict between ISIS and Al-Shabab looms large. Analysts suggest that the two groups may soon engage in direct competition for territorial control, further destabilizing the region.
Major think tanks have drawn parallels between the current situation in southern Somalia and the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. There are growing concerns that if left unchecked, either Al-Shabab or ISIS could establish dominance in southern Somalia, replicating the scenario seen in Afghanistan.
The lack of effective governance by the Somali Federal Government has exacerbated the security crisis, leaving the region vulnerable to extremist factions. The international community watches closely as the situation unfolds, recognizing the profound implications for regional stability and security.