Somalia

Somalia’s Interior Ministry said Wednesday it is monitoring escalating tensions with Southwest State and warned that continued political friction could endanger peace and stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation voiced concern about the dispute’s impact and underscored the need to uphold the constitution and the federal system of governance. “The federal government commends the people and administration of the Southwest State for their role in preserving the unity of the…

Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen arrived in Baidoa despite a reported suspension of flights and rising tensions with Somalia’s federal government. Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen reached Baidoa on Monday, despite an air travel suspension that halted passenger flights from Mogadishu earlier in the day. Reports indicate that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) had sought to prevent his return to the regional capital, though this could not be independently…

Iran’s foreign minister said the killing of Ali Larijani will not destabilize the country’s leadership or governing system. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that the assassination of Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, would not shake the leadership or the system that, he said, the United States and Israel aim to dismantle. He spoke in an interview with Al Jazeera that aired after Iranian authorities confirmed Larijani’s death. Araghchi said Washington and Jerusalem have…

Southwest State senators back suspension of ties with Mogadishu Senators from Somalia’s Southwest State on Tuesday endorsed their administration’s decision to suspend cooperation with the federal government, accusing Mogadishu of interference in regional political and security affairs. By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring Wednesday March 18, 2026 In a joint statement, the Upper House lawmakers said the move by the Southwest administration responds to actions by federal authorities that they say have undermined…

Drones spark fire at U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Two booby-trapped drones landed inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone early Tuesday, triggering explosions and a fire, a source from Iraq’s Interior Ministry told Xinhua. By Ali MusaAxadle Times international–Monitoring Tuesday March 17, 2026 Facilities inside the U.S. Embassy compound caught fire after the attack, with flames visible from outside the complex, according to the Interior Ministry source cited by Xinhua, who spoke on condition of anonymity.…

Somalia suspends Mogadishu–Baidoa flights amid Southwest rift Somalia’s federal government suspended civilian flights between Mogadishu and Baidoa on Tuesday as tensions with Southwest State escalated, local officials and sources said. Local sources said that as of Tuesday morning, commercial passenger aircraft were unable to land in Baidoa following the decision, with only United Nations and cargo flights permitted during the suspension. Officials in Southwest State condemned the measure and said travelers were left…

Baidoa flights halted in Mogadishu, stranding hundreds as Somali aviation agency denies issuing ban South West State officials call the stoppage a “political travel blockade” by the federal government; the Somali Civil Aviation Authority says it issued no suspension order. Flights to the South West State capital were halted at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers — including regional officials — waiting for clarification. Halted departures to Baidoa stranded travelers…

North Western State of Somalia opposition Kulmiye alleges politically motivated arrests, targeting of journalists Party cites detention of Warrame Media founder and arrests of protesters in Burco; government has not commented HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia’s main opposition party, Kulmiye, on Monday accused the government of conducting politically motivated arrests and targeting journalists and dissenting voices, warning the actions risk deepening social unrest. Speaking in Hargeisa, Kulmiye spokesperson…

Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

Djiboutian AUSSOM battalion arrives in Beledweyne to take over security in Hiiraan 13th Battalion replaces 11th in routine rotation; elements deploy to Bulo Burde as command transfers at Ugaas Khalif Airport Newly deployed Djiboutian troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia arrived Monday in Beledweyne to assume security responsibilities in parts of the Hiiraan region, including Beledweyne and Bulo Burde. Beledweyne — Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Support and…