Monday 17,March 2025 {HMC} The Somali Custodial Corps has been deployed to the Middle Shabelle region to support ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab, despite concerns over their combat readiness.
Before their deployment, the Commander of the Custodial Corps, General Mahad Abdirahman, urged the troops to uphold their duties and maintain the front lines in the fight against the militant group.
While the corps’ primary role is to protect prisons and oversee their administration, the commander emphasized their contribution to national security efforts.
However, security analysts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Custodial Corps in direct combat, noting that they lack formal military training, particularly in counterterrorism operations.
Despite this, some of the soldiers expressed their commitment to defending the nation, stating that they are prepared to fulfill their oath and fight alongside military forces.
The ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS is largely being carried out by Somali forces trained by the U.S. and Turkish governments, who have received specialized counterterrorism training.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre recently encouraged troops to remain steadfast in their mission, assuring them of the government’s full support as they work to eradicate terrorist threats.
Major military operations are currently underway in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan, marking one of the largest offensives in two years. According to government reports, Somali forces have killed nearly 200 Al-Shabaab militants in the past two months alone.
