Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on the night of Wednesday, a precision airstrike executed in collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA) resulted in the elimination of at least 12 Al-Shabaab militants, including several high-ranking commanders, in the Aden Yabaal district of the Middle Shabelle region. This strategic move was officially reported by the Somali government on Thursday. The operation was a joint effort from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Somali forces, specifically targeting a compound…

In recent years, the relationship between Türkiye and Somalia has blossomed, evolving into a robust partnership across a range of sectors. This transformation is attributed to the diligent efforts of both nations, particularly highlighted by the insightful words of Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ali Mohamed Omar. He emphasizes the growing areas of cooperation that have nurtured these ties, particularly praising Türkiye's pivotal role as a mediator in addressing regional challenges. One only needs to look at a Turkish…

Somali Forces Withdraw from Aboorey: A Tactical Retreat or a Cause for Concern? Of late, the conflict in Somalia has taken yet another turn. Somali government troops, along with allied local militia, have withdrawn from Aboorey, a critical town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia. This decision came after two weeks of intense combat with Al-Shabaab militants, a group that has long posed a significant threat to stability in the region. The announcement, confirmed by defense officials on Wednesday, leaves many…

In the ever-evolving landscape of conflict and security, the situation in Somalia continues to unfold, casting a shadow over hopes for a peaceful future. As detailed reports emerge, we learn of an unsettling scenario where casualty figures remain ambiguous, yet whispers from local sources indicate that both sides may have suffered fatalities as well as injuries. It's a stark reminder of the toll taken in the theater of war, where human lives hang in the balance, often lost without the assurance of justice or recovery.…

The Tumult in Aadan Yabaal: A Glimpse into Somalia's Constant Struggle MOGADISHU, Somalia—In what was a startling turn of events on a seemingly calm Wednesday, the town of Aadan Yabaal, nestled in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, was seized by Al-Shabaab militants. This takeover followed a brisk yet fierce confrontation that erupted on the town’s outskirts. According to security officials from both the Somali federal government and the autonomous Hirshabelle region, the militants executed a…

North Western State of Somalia-Government Clarifies Stand on Prisoner Negotiations In the bustling city of Hargeisa, where the vivid colors of the markets blend seamlessly with the desert backdrop, the political atmosphere is anything but neutral. Recently, the North Western State of Somalia government issued an essential clarification regarding the prisoners apprehended during the tumultuous 2023 conflict in Las Anod. A question looms large: How transparent are these complex negotiations? The air seemed…

Mogadishu, Somalia: Navigating the Twin Crises of Conflict and Drought By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring Every so often, the world gives us pause, an opportunity to peer deeper into its conflicts and crises. Recent reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reflect one such moment in Somalia where over 110,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes in merely a matter of weeks. These figures may be abstract, but they weave the stark reality of displacement…

The Complex Dynamics of North Western State of Somalia and Somalia: A Fork in the Road Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development reverberating throughout the Horn of Africa, the self-declared republic of North Western State of Somalia has formally ceased negotiations with the federal government of Somalia. The announcement, made by North Western State of Somalia’s Council of Ministers this past Wednesday, comes on the heels of a contentious visit by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod—a city marked by…

On a recent Sunday, US President Donald Trump made a bold declaration regarding terrorism and its presence in Somalia. He stressed that the United States would not stand idly by while “terrorists” attempted to blend in among innocent civilians in the Somali landscape. “We will support the Somali People,” he stated emphatically on social media. His call to action was directed at the Houthis, a group based in Yemen that has been targeting Israeli-affiliated vessels as part of their campaign of solidarity with Gaza, a region in…

Since its inception, Starlink has swiftly positioned itself as a prominent player in the global satellite internet landscape, catering to millions of customers across Africa and beyond. Offering high-speed internet to diverse regions, its impact on connectivity is undeniably transformative. Yet, you might be surprised to learn that despite its rapid expansion, Starlink has yet to make its debut in South Africa, the homeland of its founder, Elon Musk. Recent investigations by BBC journalists have uncovered that…