Somalia

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a high-level, closed-door consultation Friday night with traditional elders from the Northeastern State, urging them to anchor reconciliation and grassroots security as the federal government moves to consolidate authority in the long-contested region. The meeting in Las Anod — part of the president’s landmark visit to the city — centered on reconciliation, security and the consolidation of the state-building process after years of conflict…

Armed Puntland State troops storm Garowe police station in bid to free detained soldiers; at least 3 injured Garowe attack underscores discipline and reintegration strains after anti-ISIS campaign in Calmiskaad mountains GAROWE, Puntland State — At least three soldiers were injured Friday when armed members of Puntland State’s Duufaan Brigade attempted to force their way into the central police station in Garowe to free two comrades detained earlier for possession of alcohol, according to police and security sources. The…

Somalia moves to form federal-aligned administration in Awdal, escalating rift with North Western State of Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government is advancing plans to establish a new administration in the northwestern Awdal region under direct central authority, a step that has sharpened political tensions with North Western State of Somalia and stirred concern among regional leaders. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the proposal remains in development and is being shaped through consultations…

Barcelona grind past Racing Santander to reach Copa del Rey quarterfinals as Valencia advance and Albacete’s shock shapes the field SANTANDER, Spain — FC Barcelona booked a Copa del Rey quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win away to second-tier leader Racing Santander on Thursday night, a patient performance sealed by Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal as the knockout bracket took further shape after a seismic upset earlier in the week. In a tie that demanded control more than flair, Barcelona — resting Pedri, Raphinha and Robert…

U.S. pulls some personnel from Middle East bases as Iran warns of strikes if attacked The United States is withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran, a U.S. official said Wednesday, as Tehran warned regional neighbors it would target American facilities if Washington launches strikes. The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Iran on Thursday at the request of the United States. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the drawdowns are…

Saudi Arabia in Talks With Egypt, Somalia on Military Coalition RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is finalizing an agreement with Somalia and Egypt on a new military coalition aimed at tightening Red Sea security and curbing the United Arab Emirates’ regional influence, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia soon to complete the deal, the people said. The pact under discussion would deepen coordination on maritime security across the Red Sea and…

Egypt, Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, condemn Israel’s move on North Western State of Somalia, deepen economic ties CAIRO — Egypt and Djibouti reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and infrastructure during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abdulqader Hussein Omar in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a fifth consultative gathering focused on improving…

‘It’s never been like this’: Minneapolis’ Somali Americans under sweeping federal scrutiny On an icy Friday morning in south Minneapolis, Mahad Omar watched armed federal agents sprint past his window and tackle a neighbor to the pavement. They cuffed the man and loaded him into a black SUV. “Minneapolis is a great city,” said Omar, 28, an Uber driver who came from Somalia as a child. “It’s never been like this.” Across a metro area known for its immigrant roots and East African cultural hubs, Somali Americans say…

Mozambique and South Africa Face Catastrophic Flooding Relentless rainfall has triggered severe flooding in Mozambique and northern South Africa, resulting in widespread devastation. Critical emergency measures are underway to ensure public safety and mitigate damage. Heavy rains have led to significant flooding, particularly affecting Kruger National Park. At least 19 fatalities have occurred, with continued risks for low-lying communities. Urgent evacuations and helicopter rescues are in progress. Immediate…

Friday January 16, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks with Somalia and Egypt to establish a new Red Sea military and security partnership, a step that would deepen Riyadh’s role in the Horn of Africa and sharpen competition with the United Arab Emirates, according to people familiar with the discussions. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks to finalize elements of the agreement, the people said. The proposed pact would expand coordination on…