UAE signals possible response if Iranian attacks persist

UAE warns of possible action if Iran attacks continue ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates may take stronger measures, including the possibility of military action, if Iran continues launching missiles and drones toward its territory, the country’s minister of state for international cooperation said in a televised interview. Reem Al-Hashimi told CNN the UAE is prepared to defend itself against what she described as an ongoing threat, signaling a sharpened posture should the attacks persist. “We are…

Somalia’s NISA says over 40 al-Shabaab militants killed in Hiiraan, Lower Shabelle operations

Somalia says NISA raids kill more than 40 Al-Shabaab militants in Hiiraan, Lower Shabelle MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working with international partners, said Saturday it killed more than 40 Al-Shabaab militants in coordinated counterterrorism operations in the central Hiiraan region and the southern Lower Shabelle region. NISA said the first raid unfolded in the Waab-Weyn and Isgoyska Madashyo-Weyn areas under Mahaas district in Hiiraan, targeting fighters the agency…

UK’s Youngest Somali Pilot Moves Closer to Commercial Aviation Career

Sunday, March 1, 2026 LONDON — At 18, Suleiman Dida has already cleared one of aviation’s most daunting thresholds: a first solo flight. In doing so, he has also earned recognition as the United Kingdom’s youngest Somali pilot — a landmark that speaks to both personal drive and a community stepping into professions where it has long been underrepresented. Born Dec. 2, 2007, in northwest London to parents from Mogadishu, Dida grew up in a household that straddled two worlds: the cadence of London life and the ambitions of a…

Britain’s youngest Somali pilot moves closer to a commercial airline career

Flight path: At 18, Suleiman Dida charts a course as the U.K.’s youngest Somali pilot Sunday, March 1, 2026 London (AX) — At just 18, Suleiman Dida has reached a milestone that many aspiring aviators spend years pursuing: a solo flight and recognition as the United Kingdom’s youngest Somali pilot. For a community still underrepresented in cockpits, his ascent is a marker of possibility — and of how early discipline and accessible training routes can change who gets to fly. Dida was born Dec. 2, 2007, in northwest London to…

Somalia’s President Mohamud Hosts Iftar with Leaders After Talks Collapse

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted an iftar meeting at the Presidential Palace with leaders of political organizations, days after high-level talks with the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council collapsed without agreement, officials said. The gathering at Villa Somalia centered on Somalia’s political trajectory and efforts to advance the country’s fledgling democratic process, according to a statement from the presidency. The administration framed the session as a forum for open dialogue on…

North Western State of Somalia condemns Iranian strikes on Gulf states, pledges solidarity

North Western State of Somalia condemns Iran’s strikes on Gulf states, warns of threat to regional stability HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia has condemned Iran’s latest missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Middle East, calling them unprovoked acts of aggression that endanger regional peace and stability and pledging solidarity with countries targeted. In an official statement posted on the Foreign Ministry’s X account, the government said it “stands in full solidarity with Arab Gulf countries and rejects…

EU pledges €63 million in aid to drought-hit Somalia; 6.5 million hungry

Mogadishu (AX) — The European Union on Thursday announced €63 million in new humanitarian funding for Somalia as 6.5 million people face severe hunger driven by drought, conflict and shrinking global aid, according to new food security projections. The EU said the money will be directed to the most vulnerable communities affected by ongoing insecurity, displacement, worsening drought and soaring food prices. Assistance will be channeled through EU humanitarian partners to speed delivery and ensure aid reaches areas with…

Somalia’s Hormuud Salaam Foundation Offers Cash Relief to Vulnerable Mogadishu Women

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Hormuud Salaam Foundation has distributed cash grants to vulnerable women and internally displaced people in Mogadishu, marking the 14th consecutive year of its large-scale Ramadan relief program, the organization said Saturday. The charitable arm of Somalia-based companies Hormuud Telecom and Salaam Somali Bank focused support on the Gaari Dumar Women’s Development Center and the Somali Women and Youth Care Organization as part of its Ramadan Iftar and Support Project for the Needy. "Today, we…

U.S., Israel Launch Strikes on Iran; Explosions Reported in Tehran

Saturday February 28, 2026 Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran on Saturday 28 February (AP) The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes inside Iran early Saturday, with multiple explosions reported across Tehran as regional tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and proxy forces escalated sharply. Iran’s Fars News Agency said missiles struck areas along University Street and in the Jomhouri district of the capital after Israel announced it had carried out a missile attack. The Associated…

US, Israel launch Iran attack; Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over’ government

U.S., Israel launch major strikes on Iran as Trump urges uprising; Tehran fires missiles at Israel, U.S. bases The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran on Saturday, opening a new chapter of military confrontation as President Donald Trump urged Iranians to “seize control of your destiny” and rise up against the Islamic Republic’s leadership. Within hours, Iran said it fired a “first wave” of missiles and drones toward Israel and targeted U.S. military sites across the Gulf. Strikes reported near…