Mogadishu (WDN)- Fresh concerns have been raised across the Horn of Africa following reports that the militant group Al-Shabaab has acquired advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of carrying explosives, marking a dangerous escalation in the group’s operational capabilities.

According to reliable security sources, Al-Shabaab’s possession of these armed drones poses a significant threat not only to Somalia but also to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti. Both the Somali National Army Command and the African Union peacekeeping forces have reportedly expressed serious alarm over the development, which could fundamentally alter the security landscape in the region.

Security experts have already issued an urgent warning to Horn of Africa nations, advising them to expedite the procurement of air defense systems to counter potential drone attacks. “It is now a real and imminent possibility that Al-Shabaab could employ these drones in both surveillance and targeted strike operations,” the experts cautioned.

The new capability allows Al-Shabaab to expand its reach, conduct more precise attacks, and potentially evade traditional counter-insurgency measures that rely on ground-based intelligence and patrols. This comes at a time when the extremist militant- Al Shabab is gaining ground in Southern Somalia.

In a statement, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warned that Al-Shabaab’s drone capability could severely disrupt ongoing peacebuilding efforts in Somalia. “The deployment of armed drones by Al-Shabaab would not only increase the group’s lethality but could also derail the fragile political and security gains achieved so far,” the ISS noted.

The development is seen as a grim milestone, marking the first time that a non-state actor in the region has reportedly obtained such sophisticated weaponry. Analysts fear this could set a dangerous precedent, inspiring other extremist groups to follow suit.

As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on regional governments and international partners to swiftly address the threat and prevent a new wave of violence that could destabilize the Horn of Africa even further.

WardheerNews