Somalia’s New Army Chief Takes Command in Mogadishu Handover

MOGADISHU — Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud formally assumed command of the Somali National Army on Wednesday in a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence, as Somalia’s government pledged to accelerate military reforms and intensify operations against al-Shabab. Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage, the outgoing chief of the army, transferred authority in the presence of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, senior security chiefs and foreign diplomats, including Turkey’s ambassador. The…

North Western State of Somalia Moves to Forge Israel Trade Deal After Diplomatic Recognition

North Western State of Somalia eyes trade deal with Israel after recognition HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia expects to sign a trade partnership with Israel after receiving formal recognition from the Middle Eastern nation and is prepared to offer access to key natural resources as part of the pact, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, in late December. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…

Maryam Qasim Ahmed Elected to Chair Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission

MOGADISHU — Dr. Maryam Qasim Ahmed was elected chairperson of Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission on Wednesday after a closely contested leadership vote in the capital, officials said. Dr. Maryam secured five of the nine votes cast by commissioners, narrowly defeating fellow candidate Dr. Omar Abdulle Ulusow, who received four. A third contender, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, had registered for the race but withdrew before the ballot was held. “This is a heavy responsibility that has been entrusted to me, and I ask God to…

5 Individuals Who Should Avoid Fasting for Their Health

Format Selection: Healthy Eating Rationale The source text discusses the implications of intermittent fasting, particularly highlighting which individuals should avoid this method based on health conditions and nutritional needs. It emphasizes scientific information regarding diet, nutrition, and the potential risks associated with fasting, fitting well within the framework of healthy eating. Understanding the Risks of Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting (IF) has attracted attention as a popular weight loss strategy,…

5 Energizing Breakfast Foods to Boost Your Energy Faster Than Coffee After 60

The best format for the source text provided is Healthy Eating. The content focuses on nutrition, specifically on food choices that can boost energy levels for older adults. It includes science-informed advice, practical tips, and culturally relevant examples related to meals and health, aligning perfectly with the Healthy Eating format. Here’s a structured version based on that format: 5 Morning Foods That Boost Energy Faster Than Coffee After 60 As we age, maintaining energy levels becomes increasingly important. While…

Turkey Sends F-16s to Bolster Somali Army, Defense Minister Says

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey has deployed F-16 fighter jets to support the Somali National Army, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said Wednesday, describing the move as a significant step in strengthening the country’s air capabilities and counterterrorism operations. Announcing the deployment during a handover ceremony for the new army chief at the defense ministry in Mogadishu, Fiqi said the aircraft will provide strategic backing for ongoing security campaigns. “The arrival of Turkey’s F-16s marks a significant…

Somalia executes woman convicted of child murder after public outrage

GALKAYO, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland State region on Tuesday executed a woman convicted of murdering a 14-year-old domestic worker, a rare use of the death penalty against a woman that has reignited nationwide debate over child protection and household labor. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, was shot by firing squad in the central city of Galkayo after a court found she beat to death teenager Saabirin Saylaan late last year. Officials said the sentence was carried out under qisas, an Islamic legal…

US Downs Iranian Drone as Tenuous Middle East Talks Hang in Balance

WASHINGTON — A U.S. fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, the Pentagon’s Central Command said, even as President Donald Trump said Washington is engaged in talks with Tehran to defuse tensions across the Gulf. U.S. Central Command said the drone, identified as a Shahed-139, “aggressively approached” the carrier and continued toward it despite measures taken by U.S. forces in international waters. CENTCOM said the jet acted in self-defense. The command did not…

North Western State of Somalia President Attends Dubai World Governments Summit for Second Year

DUBAI — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s push for international visibility despite objections from Somalia’s federal government and amid worsening tensions with the United Arab Emirates. The annual forum, one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on governance and public policy, brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international…

Somali federal government eases tensions with Puntland State, Jubbaland before election talks

Somalia pledges inclusive dialogue as Jubaland, Puntland State allege flight blocks ahead of election talks MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to preserving national unity and advancing an inclusive political dialogue, even as tensions rise with the Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations over security arrangements before planned election talks. In a statement, the government said it remains fully committed to an open, broad and constructive consultative…