Heavy fighting erupted on February 1 across multiple fronts in Damasha, Gargaara Bari, and Faahiye Haroosh in Somalia, resulting in significant casualties among militia groups, according to Ocean Security. Simultaneously, a motion to remove Parliament Speaker Adan Madobe gained momentum with nearly 80 MPs signing on, approaching the 92 votes required, as reported by BaidoaOnline during the reporting window from 4:45 AM to 7:45 AM UTC on February 2, 2026. Somali security forces launched Operation Silent Sword, driving Al-Shabaab militants from multiple strategic locations and regaining control of key supply routes and regional hubs, per local reports from Dalsan TV. Separately, MP Jeesow called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to rename Villa Somalia as “Villa Hawiye,” accusing the president of targeting Puntland and Jubbaland populations, according to BaidoaOnline. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni earlier described the forced return of aircraft carrying his presidential staff from Mogadishu airspace as a criminal act and attempted assassination. A Turkish drone strike targeted a mosque in Maxaa Saciid village, Middle Shabelle region, on January 31 late afternoon, killing at least 12 civilians during Asr prayer, local media reported via Cabdalleaxmed. Victims included clan elders from the same clan in the area of recurrent Al-Shabaab and Turkish-backed government force conflicts. Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on February 3 with a large delegation for meetings with senior officials and an international conference, marking his fourth trip since election, sources told Gallaydh TV. In Mandera North, Kenya, local MP received over Kshs 1 billion during his tenure amid poor constituency conditions, as noted by Ahmednasir Law.
