Al-Shabaab claimed on February 9, 2026, that Sheikh Mohamed Sahal, known as Abu Usama and head of its Drought Committee, was killed in an airstrike in Middle Juba while assisting drought-affected communities, according to a group press statement reported by BaidoaOnline during the 89-minute reporting window ending at 6:45 PM UTC. The former Lower Shabelle governor was targeted amid his community outreach activities. In Ethiopia's Afaben East Amhara zone, the Eshet Division of the Lasta Asaminew Corps under Menelik Command attacked an Antonov aircraft carrying regime generals and Prosperity Party leaders at Lalibela Airport in Shimshaha Kebele on February 9, as stated by Afaben Menelik Command Public Relations Department via Geteriew1. The plane, en route from Sekota city under escort, faced gunfire during takeoff attempts, with infantry assaults crushing disorganized regime forces at Saina Ber, resulting in many soldiers killed or wounded; Captain Berihun Demlie declared the sky and land belong to rebels. Somalia's Federal Parliament opened its 12th joint session of both houses on February 9 to continue discussing proposed amendments to Articles 49, 50, and 54 of Chapter Four, per ICRICSomalia. Separately, UAE's DP World continues operations at Berbera in Somaliland and Bosaso in Puntland despite a federal directive for withdrawal by January 25, 2026, with Mogadishu now seeking third-party mediation amid UAE disinterest, according to BaidoaOnline citing government sources. Somaliland and Puntland rejected the order's applicability. Ethiopian ENDF forces are moving heavy weapons toward Tigray from other locations, as reported by BashirHashiysf. This follows prior Fano advances in South Gonder Zone, including control of Wegeda town by Afabn Maj. Gen. Wubante Abate Core's Guna Division after a February 9 battle, and regime withdrawals from 18 towns and 13 woredas.
