This advisory follows a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks in central Somalia, where the militant group has launched organized assaults, captured key towns, and advanced closer to the capital.

"All activities of US Embassy personnel in Mogadishu have been suspended until further notice,” the embassy stated, citing "credible information” about the threats. The U.S. State Department’s level four advisory for travel to Somalia remains in effect, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”

This alert comes after weeks of intensified militant activity, which has highlighted vulnerabilities in Somalia’s security efforts. Since February 20, Al-Shabaab has carried out at least nine attacks across the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions, briefly seizing several towns, including Balcad—located just 30 km from Mogadishu—before Somali forces mounted a counteroffensive.

The Somali government, with support from the United States African Command (AFRICOM), repelled the attacks, killing over 130 militants, according to an official statement. However, Al-Shabaab has released photographic evidence showing its fighters inside government buildings in various locations, raising concerns about the group’s ability to regroup and exploit security weaknesses.

The US Embassy emphasized that "terrorists continue to plan kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks” throughout Somalia, often with little or no warning. Potential targets include government facilities, military convoys, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and other venues frequented by Westerners. Militants have used car bombs, suicide attacks, small arms, and artillery in their recent operations.

The US government reiterated that it has limited capacity to provide emergency services to American citizens in Somalia due to the absence of a permanent consular presence. US citizens currently in the country are urged to exercise heightened caution, remain vigilant, and register with the Smart Travel Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates.

The warning effected the Turkish airlines flights to Mogadishu, where the airlines halted its flights, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.    The flight suspension highlights ongoing concerns over safety in Somalia, where insurgent groups like al-Shabab frequently target civilian and government infrastructure.