Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, the air in the Middle Shabelle region was charged with a palpable sense of determination. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, embodying the resilient spirit of his people, made a resolute return to the frontlines. Once more, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his compatriots, keen on steering renewed military operations against the formidable Al-Shabaab militant group, as affirmed by the Somali presidency. His return was not without significance. Just days prior, President…

The crisp morning air of Masajid Ali Guduud, a critical juncture in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, was abruptly shattered as dawn broke on Wednesday. The stillness of the early hours gave way to the unmistakable chaos of an ambush as Al-Shabaab militants launched a fierce assault on a Somali National Army (SNA) base. The attack unfolded with a disconcerting familiarity—a blast echoed through the area, announcing the beginning of a violent skirmish that swiftly escalated into an exchange of heavy and light gunfire.…

Somalia's Quest for Their First FIFA World Cup Qualifying Victory: Lessons from Francistown Mogadishu — In a quest that has spanned decades, Somalia's dream of clinching a first-ever victory in FIFA World Cup qualifying remains tantalizingly beyond reach. The recent encounter against Botswana unfurled yet another chapter in this evolving journey. A 2-0 defeat on a quiet Tuesday night in Francistown may have highlighted the Ocean Stars' indomitable defensive spirit, but it also shed light on the areas where growth is still…

Standing Firm Against Adversity "You are the shield between our people and terror," Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared to the fighters assembled before him. His voice resonated with a determined confidence, as he promised, "We will not rest until Al-Shabaab's grip is broken and the pain they've inflicted on our communities is brought to an end." The president's appearance on the battlefield was more than symbolic. It came right on the heels of a lightning trip back to Mogadishu. There, behind the closed doors of the…

U.S. Airstrikes and the Ongoing Battle Against ISIS in Somalia The stillness of the Al Miskaad mountain range was violently interrupted late Monday night by a series of powerful airstrikes. U.S. forces were targeting ISIS militants deeply entrenched within the remote Miiraale Valley of Somalia's Bari region. This bold move is part of an escalating series of operations aimed at eradicating the burgeoning influence of ISIS in northern Somalia. In this effort, the United States is not acting…

Ethiopians Killed Near Kenyan Border Nairobi, Kenya - In a sobering reminder of the fragile peace between Ethiopia and Kenya, an incident near their shared border has resulted in the tragic loss of life. At least four Ethiopians have been killed, raising palpable concerns regarding regional security dynamics. The incident revives exasperating questions about cross-border tensions and their resolution. How can two vibrant nations, neighbors bonded by geography and history, find themselves embroiled in…

In a surprising turn of events, a night in Galkayo witnessed the arrest of Dalmar Socdaal, a freelance journalist known for his brave storytelling and sharp insights. He was detained by Northeastern State security forces, accused of engaging in a process that Northeastern State authorities had firmly resisted—the registration for the Somali national identity card. This arrest is more than the simple handcuffing of a journalist; it reflects the simmering tensions between Northeastern State and Somalia’s federal…

China Emerges as the Principal Military and Cyber Threat to the United States: Insights from Intelligence Chiefs WASHINGTON, USA - Latest insights from the U.S. intelligence community paint a concerning picture of global security dynamics. On a brisk Tuesday morning, the intelligence report laid bare a stark reality: China stands as the predominant military and cyber adversary to the United States. According to this detailed assessment, China is making what could be described as "steady but uneven" advancements in…

Complex Implications of Kenya's Shirika Plan for Somali Refugees Edited by Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya's ambitious Shirika Plan aims to transform refugee camps into permanent cities, arousing significant concern in Somalia. This initiative, designed to reshape the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, could hinder efforts to repatriate Somali nationals, potentially perpetuating their displacement. Set to commence in 2024, the multi-billion-dollar project intends to reinvent two…

The captivating world of Turkish cuisine has found a new admirer in Somalia's ambassador to Türkiye. In an evocative conversation, the envoy shared his admiration for a myriad of traditional dishes that weave the rich culinary tapestry of this fascinating country. He hailed Turkish cuisine as being among the world's finest, echoing the sentiments of many gastronomic enthusiasts worldwide. Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed expressed these heartfelt sentiments during an engaging interview with…