Exclusive: AFRICOM Leader Reports Islamic State’s Size in Northern Somalia Has Doubled

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

St. Cloud’s Somali Community Strives for Political Power Amid Divergent Perspectives

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…

Breaking News: Iran Fires Missiles Toward Israel

Iran Launches Missiles Targeting Israel: A Complex Regional Response In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran has initiated missile strikes aimed at Israeli territory. The event marks a poignant moment in a long-standing saga of diplomatic discord and military confrontations in the region, highlighting the deep-seated animosities and geopolitical stakes involved. The strikes, which occurred recently, signify another chapter in an ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, two nations whose…

Iran Claims Israel’s Assault Has Concluded Amid Concerns Over Escalating Conflict

Iran has declared that its missile offensive against Israel has concluded, at least for now, unless provoked further. Meanwhile, both Israel and the United States have vowed to respond firmly to Tehran's escalating military actions, deepening concerns about a broader conflict. The United States announced it would collaborate closely with its long-standing ally, Israel, ensuring that Iran would face "severe consequences" for its aggressive moves from yesterday that escalated tensions. Today, the United Nations Security…

EU Allocates €9 Million to Back Financial Reforms and Boost Educational Programs

Mogadishu (AX) — The European Union (EU) has committed €9 million to Somalia's Federal Government (FGS) for advancing governance reforms. This funding, part of the EU's Somalia State and Resilience Building Contract (SRBC II), aims to boost public financial management and spearhead economic growth. The allocation will aid Somalia in bolstering domestic revenue collection, fortifying fiscal federalism, and enhancing social services, including public education through initiatives such as the National Teacher's Initiative.…

Saudi Arabia Executes 198 in 2024, Marking the Highest Number in Over Three Decades – AFP Report

DUBAI — Saudi Arabia has embarked on a significant surge in executions, hitting a 30-year apex. With three more executions announced on Saturday, the 2024 tally skyrocketed to 198, per AFP's count. The kingdom ranks third globally in executions, trailing only China and Iran, Amnesty International reported for 2023. This latest figure supercedes previous peaks of 196 in 2022 and 192 in 1995, according to the London-based human rights organization, which has been documenting annual data since 1990. The Saudi Press…

Military Salute in the Sky as Carter Celebrates His 100th Birthday

Jimmy Carter is rejoicing in his centenary, marking a remarkable milestone as the only president in U.S. history to reach the age of 100. The former peanut farmer will commemorate this special occasion in the cozy home that he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in Plains, Georgia, during the vibrant 1960s. Returning to his roots, Mr. Carter brought the postal service back to this quaint town, which boasts a close-knit community of around 600 residents. He has stayed an enduring and beloved figure there ever since. According…

First Somali American Woman and First Non-U.S. Citizen Among New Minneapolis Police Recruits

Four years have zipped by since George Floyd’s tragic passing, shaking the law enforcement community. During that span, scores of officers departed, and fresh recruits were sparse. City officials announced a turning point last month, with recruitment numbers finally climbing.Sitting amidst her fellow graduates at the American Indian Center, Ikran Mohamed beams, fresh from completing the Minneapolis Police Department’s training. Credit: Matt Sepic | MPR NewsThis piece is brought to you courtesy of MPR News in tandem with…

130 Lives Lost Due to Hurricane Helene as Biden Justifies Federal Response Efforts

The catastrophic storm that recently lashed the southeastern United States has tragically claimed the lives of at least 130 individuals. As recovery efforts unfold, the disaster has ignited heated discussions amidst an already contentious election season. The White House has fiercely dismissed allegations regarding a delayed federal response. With hundreds still missing across various states, President Joe Biden declared his intention to visit North Carolina tomorrow to oversee ongoing rescue initiatives. Biden openly…

IGAD Appeals for Enhanced Engagement from Somali Diaspora at Istanbul Summit

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged the Somali diaspora to engage more actively in fostering economic prosperity and regional stability. This appeal was made during the 10th International Somali Diaspora Conference held in Istanbul.The assembly saw representatives from the Somali diaspora meet with international allies. IGAD's Health and Social Development Director, Fathia Alwan, highlighted the vital role of remittances in supporting the economies of IGAD member nations.…