Axadle Editorial Desk

Drones spark fire at U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Two booby-trapped drones landed inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone early Tuesday, triggering explosions and a fire, a source from Iraq’s Interior Ministry told Xinhua. By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring Tuesday March 17, 2026 Facilities inside the U.S. Embassy compound caught fire after the attack, with flames visible from outside the complex, according to the Interior Ministry source cited by Xinhua, who spoke on condition of anonymity.…

Somalia suspends Mogadishu–Baidoa flights amid Southwest rift Somalia’s federal government suspended civilian flights between Mogadishu and Baidoa on Tuesday as tensions with Southwest State escalated, local officials and sources said. Local sources said that as of Tuesday morning, commercial passenger aircraft were unable to land in Baidoa following the decision, with only United Nations and cargo flights permitted during the suspension. Officials in Southwest State condemned the measure and said travelers were left…

Iran asks FIFA to shift 2026 World Cup matches to Mexico Iran’s football federation is discussing with FIFA about moving its 2026 World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico over player safety concerns, federation president Mehdi Taj said. Taj said on Monday that Iran is seeking to relocate its group fixtures from U.S. venues to Mexico, citing security risks for the team. He posted the comments on the Iranian embassy in Mexico’s X account. “When Trump has explicitly stated that he cannot ensure the security of the…

Baidoa flights halted in Mogadishu, stranding hundreds as Somali aviation agency denies issuing ban South West State officials call the stoppage a “political travel blockade” by the federal government; the Somali Civil Aviation Authority says it issued no suspension order. Flights to the South West State capital were halted at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers — including regional officials — waiting for clarification. Halted departures to Baidoa stranded travelers…

North Western State of Somalia opposition Kulmiye alleges politically motivated arrests, targeting of journalists Party cites detention of Warrame Media founder and arrests of protesters in Burco; government has not commented HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, on Monday accused the government of conducting politically motivated arrests and targeting journalists and dissenting voices, warning the actions risk deepening social unrest. Speaking in Hargeisa, Kulmiye spokesperson…

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

Djiboutian AUSSOM battalion arrives in Beledweyne to take over security in Hiiraan 13th Battalion replaces 11th in routine rotation; elements deploy to Bulo Burde as command transfers at Ugaas Khalif Airport Newly deployed Djiboutian troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia arrived Monday in Beledweyne to assume security responsibilities in parts of the Hiiraan region, including Beledweyne and Bulo Burde. Beledweyne — Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Support and…

WFP Somalia advertises multiple national vacancies across key hubs ahead of 28 May deadline The UN World Food Programme is recruiting Somali nationals for roles in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dollow/Dolow, Garowe, Beletweyne and Galkayo; women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must apply via WFP’s Workday platform. Application links were referenced in the source notice but not provided here. The World Food Programme (WFP) has opened applications for several Somalia-based positions with a stated deadline of…

US has spent $12bn on Iran war, White House economic chief says, as Pentagon signals escalation Kevin Hassett gives latest cost since Feb. 28 joint US-Israel strikes; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says bombing of Iran is “about to surge dramatically” Standfirst: The Trump administration faces growing questions over the war’s price tag and purpose. Markets remain on edge over possible Strait of Hormuz disruptions, while Senate Democrats warn of “mission creep.” The United States has spent $12bn on its war against Iran since…

Raphinha hat-trick powers Barcelona past Sevilla to keep La Liga lead Leaders win 5-2 at Montjuïc; Cancelo and Olmo on target as Sevilla concede two early penalties Raphinha scored three times — including two first-half penalties — as Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-2 at home on Sunday to maintain a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. The Brazil winger converted spot-kicks seven minutes apart in the opening period after João Cancelo twice drew fouls in the area. Dani Olmo added a third before halftime, and…