Somalia Moves to Regulate Military Uniforms and Vehicles After Al-Shabaab Attack

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has announced plans to introduce new regulations governing the use of military uniforms, weapons and government-marked vehicles in an effort to tighten security and prevent militant infiltration.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said the resolution, expected to be approved soon by the Council of Ministers, aims to curb Al-Shabaab’s use of fake military vehicles and uniforms in attacks.

“It is unacceptable for Al-Shabaab to conduct attacks using vehicles disguised as government ones and military uniforms,” Fiqi said. “There will be no military vehicles, soldiers, or weapons without identification circulating in the streets of Mogadishu from now on.”

The announcement follows last month’s attack on the Godka Jilacow detention facility in central Mogadishu, where Al-Shabaab fighters used a vehicle painted to resemble those of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The heavily guarded facility, located near the presidential palace, houses militant suspects and other high-profile detainees.

Authorities have since launched a verification process for military vehicles and personnel, with security agencies and command units ordered to comply with the forthcoming regulations.

The move underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen internal security and prevent militant groups from exploiting weaknesses within Somalia’s armed forces.