Monday March 17, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – 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.