Principles of war provide essential guidance for planning and executing military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Key steps plan, prepare, assess,execute and ensure that forces operate with clear objectives, decisive goals, and measurable outcomes. Recent Somali military campaigns against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle, Puntland operations against ISIS in Timirshe, and Galmudug counterinsurgency efforts highlight the risks of unplanned, aimless, and unsustainable operations. Despite significant sacrifices and resources spent, territorial gains remain temporary, and terrorist groups continue to control operational areas. To improve effectiveness, operations must be broken into smaller pockets, with clear strategies for each zone, rigorous assessment, and lessons learned documented. Establishing robust command, control, and communication centers is critical for coordinating multidisciplinary forces.
On 23 May, the Somali National Army (SNA) launched a large-scale offensive in Middle Shabelle without fully coordinating with AMISOM, leading to serious losses against Al-Shabaab. Sector 5 forces, primarily Burundian troops, were unprepared to engage due to troop rotations, leaving the SNA exposed. The operation highlights long-standing tensions between SNA and AMISOM, which fluctuate based on leadership chemistry, communication, and strategic coherence. Chief of Defence Staff, General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, criticized AMISOM for a static posture and logistical failures, while AMISOM accused the SNA of unilateral action and poor planning. International partners also question AMISOM’s effectiveness, seeing it as costly but largely passive, especially as the transition to Somali-led security responsibility accelerates.