Editing Somali Armed Forces (section)

=== Twenty-first century ===
{{See also|Somalia War (2006–2009)|Somali Civil War (2009–present)}}
The [[Transitional National Government of Somalia]] (TNG) was established in April–May 2000 at a peace conference held in [[Arta, Djibouti|Arta]], [[Djibouti]]. It was militarily and politically opposed by the [[Somalia Reconciliation and Restoration Council]], which was formed by faction leaders including [[Hussein Mohamed Farrah Aidid]] and [[Mohamed Dhere]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Central Intelligence Agency|title=Somalia|work=The World Factbook|publisher=Central Intelligence Agency|location=Langley, Virginia|year=2014|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/somalia/|access-date=April 8, 2014}}</ref> The TNG technically had all of the organs of a sovereign state, including executive and judicial structures as well as a standing army.<ref>"Somalia: Sovereign Disguise for a Mogadishu Mafia," Andre Le Sage, Review of African Political Economy, Vol. 29, No. 91, (March 2002), pp. 132-138</ref> But it was very weak; clan ties remained much more important than formal government structures.

It was reported on 7 November 2001, that TNG forces had seized control of [[Merca|Marka]] in [[Lower Shabelle]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irinnews.org/report/28116/somalia-government-military-takes-control-of-marka |title=Government military takes control of Marka |date=7 November 2001 |agency=IRIN |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref>
From 2002, [[Ismail Qasim Naji]] served as the TNG military chief.<ref name=LIVES-OF-18-AMERICAN-SOLDIERS-NOT-BETTER-THAN-THOUSANDS-OF-SOMALI-LIVES>{{cite web |title=The Lives of 18 American Soldiers Are Not Better Than Thousands of Somali Lives They Killed, Somalia's TNG Prime Minister Col. Hassan Abshir Farah says |url=http://www.somaliawatch.org/archivedec01/020122101.htm |date=22 January 2002 |access-date=17 January 2007 |publisher=[[Somalia Watch]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103000012/http://somaliawatch.org/archivedec01/020122101.htm |archive-date=3 January 2007}}</ref> He was given the rank of Major General. The TNG's new army, made up of 90 women and 2,010 men, was equipped on 21 March 2002 with guns and armed wagons surrendered to the TNG by private parties in exchange for money, according to TNG officials. TNG president [[Abdulkassim Salat Hassan]] instructed the recruits to use the weaponry to "pacify Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia by fighting bandits, anarchists and all forces that operate for survival outside the law." But the TNG controlled only one part of Mogadishu; rival warlords controlled the remainder.<ref>Dan Connell, Middle East Report, "War Clouds Over Somalia," 22 March 2002, at http://www.merip.org/mero/mero032202 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222103351/http://www.merip.org/mero/mero032202 |date=22 December 2015 }}</ref> Some TNG weapons were stolen and looted in late 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://somalilandtimes.net/Archive/43/4300.htm |title=somalilandtimes.net |website=somalilandtimes.net |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128104745/http://somalilandtimes.net/Archive/43/4300.htm |archive-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref> 

Eventually the leadership of the SRRC and the TNG were reconciled, and the [[Transitional Federal Government]] (TFG) was formed in 2004 by Somali politicians in Nairobi. [[Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed]] from Puntland was elected as President.<ref name="Abapd">{{cite web |title=Background and Political Developments |url=http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/auc/departments/psc/amisom/AMISOM_Background.htm |publisher=AMISOM |access-date=11 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821014130/http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/auc/departments/psc/amisom/AMISOM_Background.htm |archive-date=21 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="Afacis">{{cite web |last=Wezeman |first=Pieter D. |title=Arms flows and conflict in Somalia |url=http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP1010b.pdf |publisher=SIPRI |access-date=10 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602122802/http://books.sipri.org/files/misc/SIPRIBP1010b.pdf |archive-date=2 June 2013}}</ref> The TFG later moved its temporary headquarters to Baidoa.<ref name="Abapd" /> President Yusuf requested that the African Union deploy in Somalia. Yusuf brought south his own militia from Puntland after fruitless appeals for military forces from the African Union. Along with the U.S. funding the [[ARPCT]] coalition, this alarmed many in south-central Somalia, and recruits flocked to the ascendant [[Islamic Courts Union]] (ICU).<ref name="Tsfp6061">Interpeace, '[http://www.interpeace.org/publications/somali-region/60-a-history-of-mediation-in-somalia-since-1988-english/file The search for peace: A history of mediation in Somalia since 1988] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222044942/http://www.interpeace.org/publications/somali-region/60-a-history-of-mediation-in-somalia-since-1988-english/file |date=22 February 2014 }},' Interpeace, May 2009, 60–61.</ref>

A battle for Mogadishu followed in the first half of 2006 in which the ARPCT confronted the ICU.<ref name="Eios">{{cite web |url=http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/153/26334.html |title=Ethiopian Invasion of Somalia |publisher=Globalpolicy.org |date=14 August 2007 |access-date=27 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090910145231/http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/153/26334.html |archive-date=10 September 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref> However, with local support, the ICU captured the city in June of the year. It then expanded its area of control in south-central Somalia over the following months, assisted militarily by [[Eritrea]].<ref name="Tsfp6061" /> In an effort at reconciliation, TFG and ICU representatives held several rounds of talks in [[Khartoum]] under the auspices of the [[Arab League]]. The two parties would not compromise and the meetings ended unsuccessfully.<ref name="Abapd" /> Hardline Islamists subsequently gained power within the ICU, prompting fears of a Talibanization of the movement.<ref>Ken Menkhaus, '[http://ipss-addis.moodle-kurse.de/file.php/2/Reading_Materials_Module_3_Block_1_/Fragile_States_and_Insecure_People_2007.pdf#page=73 Local Security Systems in Somali East Africa] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222200912/http://ipss-addis.moodle-kurse.de/file.php/2/Reading_Materials_Module_3_Block_1_/Fragile_States_and_Insecure_People_2007.pdf |date=22 February 2014 }},' in Andersen/Moller/Stepputat (eds.), Fragile States and Insecure People,' Palgrave, 2007, 67.</ref>

In December 2006, [[Ethiopian National Defense Force|Ethiopian troops]] entered Somalia to assist the TFG against the advancing Islamic Courts Union, initially winning the [[Battle of Baidoa]].<ref name="2009factbook">{{cite web |work=The World Factbook |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |title=Somalia |location=Langley, Virginia |year=2011 |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/somalia/ |access-date=5 October 2011}}</ref> On 28 December 2006, Ethiopian forces [[Fall of Mogadishu|recaptured the capital]] from the ICU.<ref name="Psnrpaya">{{cite web |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/29/content_10577078.htm |title=Profile: Somali's newly resigned President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=29 December 2008 |access-date=5 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115142305/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/29/content_10577078.htm |archive-date=15 November 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The offensive helped the TFG solidify its rule.<ref name="Eios" /> Ethiopian and TFG forces [[2007 Battle of Ras Kamboni|forced the ICU from Ras Kamboni]] between 7–12 January 2007. They were assisted by at least two U.S. air strikes.{{sfn|ICG|2008|p=26}} On 8 January 2007, for the first time since taking office, President Ahmed entered Mogadishu from Baidoa, as the TFG moved its base to the national capital.<ref name="Vspicfc">{{cite news |last=Majtenyi |first=Cathy |title=Somali President in Capital for Consultations |url=http://www.51voa.com/VOA_Standard_English/VOA_Standard_9474.html |access-date=17 February 2014 |newspaper=VOA |date=8 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105061226/http://www.51voa.com/VOA_Standard_English/VOA_Standard_9474.html |archive-date=5 November 2013 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> President Ahmed brought his [[Puntland]] army chief with him, and [[Abdullahi Ali Omar]] became Somali chief of army on 10 February 2007.<ref name="Ssacsanaaa">{{cite web |url=http://www.shabelle.net/news/ne2279.htm |title=Somalia's army commander sacked as new ambassadors are appointed |publisher=Shabelle Media Network |date=10 April 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071114173103/http://www.shabelle.net/news/ne2279.htm |archive-date=14 November 2007}}</ref>

On 20 January 2007, through [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1744]], the [[African Union Mission in Somalia]] (AMISOM) was formally authorised.{{sfn|Williams|2009|p=516}} Seven hundred Ugandan troops, earmarked for AMISOM, were landed at Mogadishu airport on 7–8 March 2007.<ref>[http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200703/08/eng20070308_355350.html More Ugandan troops arrive in Mogadishu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020145034/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200703/08/eng20070308_355350.html |date=20 October 2012 }}, [[Xinhua News Agency]] via [[People's Daily]] Online, 8 March 2007.</ref>

In Mogadishu, [[Hawiye]] residents resented the Islamic Courts Union's defeat.<ref name="Gpvisaff">{{cite news |title=Power vacuum in Somalia as factions fight |url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Power_vacuum_in_Somalia_as_factions_fight_gazette.shtml |access-date=11 February 2014 |newspaper=Garowe Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224055138/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Power_vacuum_in_Somalia_as_factions_fight_gazette.shtml |archive-date=24 February 2014}}</ref> They distrusted the TFG, which was at the time dominated by the [[Darod]] clan, believing that it was dedicated to the advancement of Darod interests in lieu of the Hawiye. Additionally, they feared reprisals for massacres committed in 1991 in Mogadishu by Hawiye militants against Darod civilians, and were dismayed by Ethiopian involvement.<ref name="McGregor">{{cite journal |last=McGregor |first=Andrew |title=The Leading Factions Behind the Somali Insurgency |journal=Terrorism Monitor |date=26 April 2007 |volume=V |issue=8 |pages=1–4 |url=https://jamestown.org/program/the-leading-factions-behind-the-somali-insurgency/ }}</ref> Critics of the TFG likewise charged that its federalist platform was part of a plot by the Ethiopian government to keep Somalia weak and divided.<ref name="Mswww">{{cite journal |last=Menkhaus |first=Ken |title=Somalia: What Went Wrong? |journal=The RUSI Journal |volume=154 |issue=4 |pages=6–12 |doi=10.1080/03071840903216395 |year=2009 |s2cid=219626653 |doi-access=free }}</ref> During its first few months in the capital, the TFG was initially restricted to key strategic points, with the large northwestern and western suburbs controlled by Hawiye rebels.<ref>Cedric Barnes, and Harun Hassan, "[http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Africa/bpsomalia0407.pdf The rise and fall of Mogadishu's Islamic Courts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012045739/http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/public/Research/Africa/bpsomalia0407.pdf |date=12 October 2013 }}." Journal of Eastern African Studies 1, no. 2 (2007), 158.</ref> In March 2007, President Ahmed announced plans to forcibly disarm militias in the city.<ref name="McGregor" /> Extremist elements of the ICU, including [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]] then launched a wave of attacks against the TFG and Ethiopian troops.<ref name="Iscfc">{{cite web |title=Somalia comes full circle |url=http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?ots783=4888caa0-b3db-1461-98b9-e20e7b9c13d4&lng=en&id=53694 |publisher=ISA |access-date=11 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222142455/http://www.isn.ethz.ch/Digital-Library/Articles/Detail/?ots783=4888caa0-b3db-1461-98b9-e20e7b9c13d4&lng=en&id=53694 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The allied forces in return mounted a heavy-handed response.<ref name="Cstnchst">{{cite web |last=Leggiere |first=Phil |title=Somalia: The Next Challenge – Homeland Security Today |url=http://www.enoughproject.org/news/somalia-next-challenge-homeland-security-today |publisher=Center for American Progress |access-date=18 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222133541/http://www.enoughproject.org/news/somalia-next-challenge-homeland-security-today |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>

All of the warring parties were responsible for widespread violations of the laws of war, as civilians were caught in the ensuing crossfire. Insurgents reportedly deployed militants and established strongholds in heavily populated neighborhoods, launched mortar rounds from residential areas, and targeted public and private individuals for assassination and violence.<ref name="Iscfc" /> TFG forces were alleged to have failed to properly warn civilians in combat zones, impeded relief efforts, plundered property, committed murder and violence, and mistreated detainees during mass arrests.<ref name="Iscfc" />{{sfn|Human Rights Watch|2008}} Military, police and intelligence TFG personnel were implicated, as well as the private guards of senior TFG officials. Victims were often unable to identify TFG personnel, and confused militiamen aligned with TFG officials with TFG police officers and other state security personnel.{{sfn|Human Rights Watch|2008}}

In mid-2008 the TFG decided to participate in peace talks with the Djibouti faction of the Islamist [[Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia]] (ARS-D). An agreement was signed on 19 August 2008. The current armed forces trace their origins to the weak alliance between the two factions.{{sfn|Robinson|2016|p=242}}

In December 2008, the [[International Crisis Group]] reported:{{sfn|ICG|2008|p=22}}

<blockquote>Yusuf has built a largely subservient and loyal apparatus by putting his fellow Majerteen clansmen in strategic positions. The National Security Agency (NSA) under General [[Mohamed Warsame]] ("Darwish") and the so-called "Majerteen militia" units in the TFG army operate in parallel and often above other security agencies. Their exact number is hard to ascertain, but estimates suggest about 2,000.<ref>ICG footnote is 'Crisis Group interviews, Mogadishu, Baidoa, April 2008.'</ref> They are well catered for, well armed and often carry out counter-insurgency operations with little or no coordination with other security agencies. In the short term, this strategy may appear effective for the president, who can unilaterally employ the force essentially as he pleases. However, it undermines morale in the security services and is a cause of their high desertion rates.</blockquote>

Much of the problem building armed forces was the lack of functioning TFG government institutions:{{sfn|ICG|2008|p=43}}
 
<blockquote>Beyond the endemic internal power struggles, the TFG has faced far more serious problems in establishing its authority and rebuilding the structures of governance. Its writ has never extended much beyond Baidoa. Its control of Mogadishu is ever more contested, and it is largely under siege in the rest of the country. There are no properly functioning government institutions.</blockquote>

Also in December 2008, [[Human Rights Watch]] described the Somali National Army as the 'TFG's largely theoretical professional military force.' It said that 'where trained TFG military forces appear, 'they were identified by their victims as Ethiopian-trained forces, often acting in concert with ENDF ([[Ethiopian National Defense Force]]) forces or under the command of ENDF officers.'{{sfn|Human Rights Watch|2008}} HRW also said that 'Human Rights Watch's own research has uncovered a pattern of violent abuses by TFG forces including widespread acts of murder, rape, looting, assault, [[arbitrary arrest and detention]], and torture. Those responsible include police, military, and intelligence personnel as well as the personal militias of high-ranking TFG officials.'{{sfn|Human Rights Watch|2008}}
 
HRW went on to say: 'The TFG has deployed a confusing array of security forces and armed militias to act on its behalf. Victims of the widespread abuses in which these forces have been implicated often have trouble identifying whether their attackers were TFG police officers, other TFG security personnel, or militias linked to TFG officials. Furthermore, formal command-and-control structures are to a large degree illusory. TFG security forces often wear multiple hats, acting on orders from their formal superiors one day, as clan militias another day, and as autonomous self-interested armed groups the next.'{{sfn|Human Rights Watch|2008}}

In April 2009, donors at a UN-sponsored conference pledged over $250&nbsp;million to help improve security. The funds were earmarked for AMISOM and supporting Somalia's security, including the build-up of a security force of 6,000 members as well as an augmented police force of 10,000 men.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/dec/09/removed-news-agency-feed-article |title=Removed: news agency feed article |date=9 December 2015 |website=The Guardian |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403232148/https://www.theguardian.com/info/2015/dec/09/removed-news-agency-feed-article |archive-date=3 April 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In June 2009, the Somali military received 40 tonnes worth of [[Weapon|arms]] and [[ammunition]] from the U.S. government to assist it in combating the insurgency.<ref>Reuters, [https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN2649445 US gives Somalia about 40 tons of arms, ammunition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629005034/http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN2649445 |date=29 June 2009 }}</ref>

In November 2009, the [[European Union]] announced its intention to train two Somali [[battalion]]s (around 2,000 troops), which would complement other training missions and bring the total number of better-trained Somali soldiers to 6,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLH63347620091117 |title=EU to provide 100 troops for training Somali force |first=Reuters |last=Editorial |agency=Reuters |access-date=4 April 2018 |newspaper=Reuters |date=17 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091121160048/http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLH63347620091117 |archive-date=21 November 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref> The two [[battalion]]s were expected to be ready by August 2011.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://shabelle.net/article.php?id=6246 | title=Shabellle news media – Just another WordPress site | access-date=5 May 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723071756/http://shabelle.net/article.php?id=6246 | archive-date=23 July 2011 | url-status=usurped | df=dmy-all }}</ref> 

In November 2010, a new technocratic government was elected to office. In its first 50 days in office, the new administration completed its first monthly payment of stipends to government fighters.<ref name="Swscmos">{{cite web |url=http://www.somaliweyn.org/pages/news/Jan_11/15Jan18.html |title=Security Council Meeting on Somalia |publisher=Somaliweyn.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105060056/http://www.somaliweyn.org/pages/news/Jan_11/15Jan18.html |archive-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> It was the first of many Somali administrations to announce plans for a full biometric register for the security forces. While it aimed to complete the biometric register within four months, little further was reported. By August 2011, AMISOM and Somali forces had managed to capture all of Mogadishu from Al-Shabaab.<ref name="Asdilr">{{cite web |author=Independent Newspapers Online |url=http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/al-shabaab-dug-in-like-rats-1.1114585 |title=Al-Shabaab 'dug in like rats' |work=Independent Online |location=South Africa |date=10 August 2011 |access-date=15 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509052019/http://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/al-shabaab-dug-in-like-rats-1.1114585 |archive-date=9 May 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

Powerful vested interests and corrupt commanders were, as of February 2011, the largest obstacle to reforming the army. Some newly delivered weaponry was sold by officers. The [[International Crisis Group]] also said that AMISOM's efforts at assisting in formalizing the military's structure and providing training to the estimated 8,000 SNA were problematic. Resistance continued to the establishment of an effective chain of command, logical military formations and a credible troop roster. Although General [[Mohamed Gelle Kahiye]], the respected former army chief, attempted to instill reforms, he was marginalized and eventually dismissed.<ref>International Crisis Group, [http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/horn-of-africa/somalia/170%20Somalia%20The%20Transitional%20Government%20on%20Life%20Support.pdf Somalia: The Transitional Government on Life Support] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225157/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/africa/horn-of-africa/somalia/170%20Somalia%20The%20Transitional%20Government%20on%20Life%20Support.pdf |date=23 September 2015 }}, Africa Report 170, 20 February 2011, p.16</ref>

In August 2011, as part of the [[European Union Training Mission Somalia]] (EUTM Somalia), 900 Somali soldiers graduated from the Bihanga Military Training School in the [[Ibanda District]] of Uganda.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bar-kulan.com/2011/09/02/900-newly-trained-somali-soldiers-dispatched-from-ugandan-military-school/ |title=900 newly trained Somali soldiers dispatched from Ugandan military school |publisher=Bar-Kulan |date=2 September 2011 |access-date=3 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322161730/http://www.bar-kulan.com/2011/09/02/900-newly-trained-somali-soldiers-dispatched-from-ugandan-military-school/ |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref><ref name="eutrainb" /> 150 personnel from the EU took part in the training process, which trained around 2,000 Somali troops per year.<ref name="eutrainb">{{cite news |url=http://hiiraan.com/news2/2011/Sept/special_forces_in_mogadishu.aspx |title=Special Forces in Mogadishu |publisher=Hiiraan Online |date=7 September 2011 |access-date=7 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322091735/http://hiiraan.com/news2/2011/Sept/special_forces_in_mogadishu.aspx |archive-date=22 March 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> In May 2012, 603 Somali army personnel completed training at the facility. They were the third batch of Somali nationals to be trained there under the auspices of EUTM Somalia.<ref>IRIN News, 14 May 2012, via Africa Research Bulletin-PSC, 1–31 May 2012, p.19287C.</ref> In total, the EU mission had trained 3,600 Somali soldiers, before permanently transferring all of its advisory, mentoring and training activities to Mogadishu in December 2013.<ref name="Emtplis">{{cite news |title=EU military training programme launches in Somalia |url=http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2014/02/26/newsbrief-04 |agency=Sabahi |date=26 February 2014 |access-date=21 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302195752/http://sabahionline.com/en_GB/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2014/02/26/newsbrief-04 |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In October 2011, following a weekend preparatory meeting between Somali and Kenyan military officials in the town of [[Dhobley (Lower Juba Region)|Dhobley]],<ref name="Npklois">{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/10/16/kenya-launches-offensive-in-somalia/ |title=Kenya launches offensive in Somalia |date=16 October 2011 |website=National Post |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129120704/http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/10/16/kenya-launches-offensive-in-somalia/ |archive-date=29 January 2013 |url-status=live  }}</ref> the [[Kenya Defence Forces]] launched an attack across the border against [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]], aiming for Kismayo.<ref name="Tssgskfm">{{cite web |url=http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/agriculture/InsidePage.php?id=2000045933& |title=Somalia government supports Kenyan forces' mission |publisher=Standardmedia.co.ke |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314153558/http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/agriculture/InsidePage.php?id=2000045933&cid=4& |archive-date=14 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="Jointc">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mfa.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=399:joint-communique&catid=35:news |title=Joint Communique – Operation Linda Nchi |access-date=8 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130172143/http://www.mfa.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=399%3Ajoint-communique&catid=35%3Anews |archive-date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> In early June 2012, Kenyan troops were formally integrated into AMISOM.<ref name="Gkdmaaaism">{{cite news |title=Kenya: Defense Minister appointed as acting Internal Security Minister |url=http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Kenya_Defense_Minister_appointed_as_acting_Internal_Security_Minister.shtml |access-date=20 June 2012 |newspaper=Garowe Online |date=19 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130165830/http://www.garoweonline.com/artman2/publish/Somalia_27/Kenya_Defense_Minister_appointed_as_acting_Internal_Security_Minister.shtml |archive-date=30 November 2012}}</ref>

In January 2012, Somali government forces and their AMISOM allies launched offensives on Al-Shabaab's last foothold on the northern outskirts of Mogadishu.<ref name="Asefm">{{cite web |title=Al-Shabaab Evicted from Mogadishu |url=http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/2572 |publisher=Somalia Report |access-date=14 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213444/http://www.somaliareport.com/index.php/post/2572 |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> The following month, Somali forces fighting alongside AMISOM seized Baidoa from the insurgent group.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8DMB7G20120222?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0 |title=Ethiopian forces capture key Somali rebel stronghold |work=Reuters |date=22 February 2012 |access-date=22 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407094043/http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL5E8DMB7G20120222?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0 |archive-date=7 April 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> By June 2012, the allied forces had also captured El Bur,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.modernghana.com/news/385696/1/ethiopian-troops-seize-main-rebel-town-in-central-.html |title=Ethiopian troops seize main rebel town in central Somalia |website=modernghana.com |access-date=4 April 2018 |date=26 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180405152825/https://www.modernghana.com/news/385696/1/ethiopian-troops-seize-main-rebel-town-in-central-.html |archive-date=5 April 2018 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Afgooye,<ref>{{cite news |title=Somali al-Shabab militant stronghold Afgoye 'captured' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18206856 |access-date=1 June 2012 |publisher=BBC |date=25 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528100808/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18206856 |archive-date=28 May 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref> and Balad.<ref>{{cite news |title=Somali forces capture rebel stronghold |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iKD5l6zR7FZVn0CFZ_rXxVRl3rkQ?do |access-date=28 June 2012 |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=27 June 2012  }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Progress by the Kenya Army from the border towards Kismayo was slow, but Afmadow was also reported captured on 1 June 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Somalia forces capture key al-Shabab town of Afmadow |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18288639 |access-date=1 June 2012 |publisher=BBC |date=31 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601035057/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18288639 |archive-date=1 June 2012 |url-status=live  }}</ref>