Thursday 29, Jan 2026 {HMC} Somalia has replaced its army chief as the country prepares to launch a new phase of military operations against al-Shabab in central and southern regions, the government said Thursday. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud was appointed as the new chief of the Somali National Army. Rageh had been reappointed as army chief in November 2024, replacing Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh. His tenure coincided with an expanded offensive against al-Shabab following the federal government’s pledge to weaken the group’s territorial control and financial networks. While Somali forces, backed by allies, have regained territory in recent months, the group retains the ability to mount complex assaults and stage deadly bombings.