148 Somali Nationals Return Home from Yemen amid Ongoing Conflict

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has repatriated 148 citizens from Yemen in coordination with international partners, marking the latest effort to assist Somalis affected by prolonged conflict and instability in the region.

The group, which included men, women, and children, arrived in Mogadishu aboard a chartered flight from Aden on Thursday. The operation was jointly organized by the Somali National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Officials said the repatriation reflects Somalia’s renewed commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. Foreign Minister Abdulsalam Abdali, who welcomed the returnees at Aden Abdulle International Airport, said the government remains focused on assisting Somalis living in crisis-affected countries.

NCRI Deputy Commissioner Abdullahi Aden Abdi said the returnees received immediate assistance upon arrival, including health checks, food, and logistical support to help them reunite with their families and begin reintegration.

Yemen’s prolonged conflict has left many Somali refugees and migrants facing worsening living conditions, with limited access to basic services and economic opportunities. Growing insecurity and the collapse of essential systems have driven many to seek voluntary return to Somalia.

The repatriation efforts are part of a broader policy to engage with the Somali diaspora and strengthen national resilience. The government has carried out several similar operations in recent years as it works with international partners to ensure safe and dignified returns.