Somalia

GENEVA — The United States pressed Iran to shut down and dismantle core parts of its nuclear program during a third round of talks here in February 2026, demanding the closure of three major sites and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory, according to details emerging from the negotiations. U.S. negotiators called for the destruction of facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — installations widely seen as the backbone of Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity — and proposed that Tehran’s stockpiled…

‘Justice or rush to judgment?’ Somalia’s rare execution of a woman exposes deep cracks in the system GALKAYO, Somalia — The death of 14-year-old Saabirin Saylaan jolted Somalia long before the firing squad assembled for the woman convicted of killing her. It began on Nov. 12, when, according to police records, Hodan Mohamud Diiriye phoned her husband to say the teenager who had been living in their home was unconscious. They raced Saabirin to a hospital in Galkayo, where staff pronounced her dead and called the police. Less…

Turkey denies reports of deploying S-400 air defenses to Somalia ANKARA — Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense on Thursday rejected reports that Russian-made S-400 air defense systems had been transported to Somalia, framing the claims as unfounded and reiterating that the systems remain on Turkish soil under national control. The ministry said there are no plans to position S-400 batteries outside Turkey and emphasized the systems are fully operational and available for use by the Turkish Armed Forces as required. It…

Mogadishu — Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency said Wednesday it foiled an attempt to smuggle a Somali minor out of the country to Libya after officers flagged irregular travel plans and uncovered a bid to fraudulently obtain travel documents. The agency said the girl, taken from Las Anod, was intercepted at an early stage of the journey after a verification process identified adults traveling with her as suspected members of a human smuggling network. Authorities said the effort to secure false documentation was…

Israel accredits first North Western State of Somalia ambassador, deepening ties after recognition JERUSALEM — Israel has granted diplomatic accreditation to Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, the first ambassador of North Western State of Somalia to Israel, formalizing a new phase in relations less than two months after Israel became the first country to recognize the self-declared republic. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that the appointment follows the establishment of diplomatic relations on Dec. 26, 2025,…

Northeastern administration accuses North Western State of Somalia forces of attack in Sanaag’s Waqdariya; casualties reported Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 MOGADISHU — The Northeastern regional administration on Thursday accused North Western State of Somalia forces of attacking civilians in the Waqdariya area of Sanaag region, saying the assault caused casualties but offering no official toll. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Security, the administration said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Waqdariya,…

The Rising Violence in Northwestern Nigeria This section examines the increasing violence in Zamfara State and its broader impact. It provides an overview of the recent attacks and highlights the ongoing security challenges. At least 38 people killed in an attack on a village in Zamfara State. Banditry and extremism are key sources of insecurity in the region. Armed gangs operate from forested regions, complicating containment efforts. Details of the Attack Here, we focus on the specifics of the recent attack…

North Western State of Somalia's Bid for International Recognition In a bold move to gain international legitimacy, separatist North Western State of Somalia is reaching out to powerful nations by offering access to its valuable resources and strategic military locations. North Western State of Somalia declared independence from Somalia in 1991, seeking recognition as a separate entity. Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia's independence in December, a milestone in its quest for international acceptance.…

Congo's Escalating Conflict with M23 Rebels The Democratic Republic of Congo intensified military operations in the east following reports of the death of M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma. This escalation comes amidst ongoing tensions over territorial control in mineral-rich regions. Drone attacks targeted M23 positions near Rubaya, a key mining town. Rubaya's coltan deposits significantly impact global electronics supply chains. The conflict involves multiple armed factions competing for resources. Clashes in…

Deni, Turkish envoy discuss security cooperation and political transition in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State state President Said Abdullahi Deni met Thursday with Turkey’s ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, for talks centered on security cooperation, political stability and humanitarian pressures as the country navigates a tense electoral transition and persistent militant threats. The high-level meeting, attended by a delegation of senior Turkish Embassy officials, reviewed the general situation across Somalia…