The U.S. Embassy in Somalia has released a security alert, cautioning against “potential imminent attacks” on various locations, including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The warning comes amid a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks in central Somalia, where militants have launched coordinated offensives, seized strategic towns, and moved closer to the capital.
“All movements of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu personnel have been cancelled until further notice,” the embassy stated, citing “credible information” regarding the threats. The U.S. Department of State’s Level Four travel advisory for Somalia remains unchanged, urging Americans to avoid travel due to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”
The embassy underscored that “terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks” in Somalia, often with little or no warning. Potential targets include government offices, military convoys, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other locations frequented by Westerners. Al-Shabaab militants have employed car bombs, suicide bombings, small-arms assaults, and mortar fire in recent attacks.
Due to the absence of a permanent consular presence, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in Somalia. Americans in the country are strongly advised to remain on high alert, take extra precautions, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates.
The latest security warning follows weeks of intensified militant activity, exposing weaknesses in Somalia’s counterinsurgency operations. Since February 20, Al-Shabaab has carried out at least nine attacks in Middle Shabelle and Hiraan, briefly capturing several towns, including Bal’ad—just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu—before being pushed back by Somali forces.
