Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In the sunlit halls of the Balidoogle military base, where the air crackled with the energy of anticipation, Somalia's Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, took the podium. His voice resonated with a mixture of gravitas and hopefulness as he addressed a group of newly trained Danab Commandos. His words were a testament to the intricate dance of struggle and cooperation in the ongoing battle against extremism in Somalia. "What do these mountains hide?" one might wonder. Not just rocks and shadows, but…

Somalia: High-Ranking ISIS Commander Surrenders to Northeastern State Defense Forces By Ali Musa | Axadle Times International–Monitoring AXADLE, Somalia — It was a moment of profound significance when a pivotal figure within the Islamic State’s hierarchy in Somalia—a man known as Abdirahman Shirwac but more infamously called “Laahoor”—surrendered to the Northeastern State Defense Forces. The backdrop? The rugged Al-Miskaad mountains set against an intense…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reflecting on the turbulent year of 1998, Ahmed Moalim Hirsi embarked on a daunting mission: to battle the pervasive threat of polio in a nation beleaguered by conflict and chaos. Imagine navigating a landscape where health systems were mere shadows of what they ought to be. Yet, amid the cacophony and confusion, Ahmed had a singular focus: safeguard the future of Somali youth from a morbid affliction that had gripped communities in terror for decades. At 65, Ahmed now stands at the precipice of a new…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Government of North Western State of Somalia has ushered in a fresh wave of initiatives aimed at re-establishing stability and reinforcing security in the Sanaag region, particularly in Erigavo. These actions are being implemented in the wake of recent clashes that forced an estimated 45,000 people from their homes, stirring concerns of further tensions. A high-caliber delegation, inclusive of members from North Western State of Somalia's legislative branches, announced a critical directive: the sole…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged outcry that reverberates with urgency, Somali Senator Abdi Hassan Awaale Qeybdiid has openly accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of manipulating the national constitution to suit his unilateral whims. What does this mean for Somalia's already fragile stability and governance? During a candid conversation with SMS local television on a quiet Sunday, the senator expressed his dismay, describing the current governance as operating under “Hassan Sheikh’s special constitution” rather than the…

U.S. Executes Airstrikes Aimed at ISIS Leadership in Somalia's Remote Regions AXADLE, Somalia — In an audacious move reminiscent of the battle cries echoing through history, the U.S. Air Force has engaged in operations within the austere landscapes of Somalia's Bari region. These events unfolded on February 1, 2025, unraveling under the aegis of directives from President Donald Trump. According to sources familiar with the situation, this offensive, conducted via surgical airstrikes, pierced through the rugged…

London, UK (AX) — Channel 4's daring new series, Go Back to Where You Came From, embarks on an audacious journey that vividly parallels the treacherous routes taken by refugees fleeing conflict zones. At the heart of this experiential expedition is Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a city long marred by turbulence yet buoyed by indomitable resilience. While watching this series, one might ponder: what do an eclectic group of six British citizens gain by traversing these perilous roads once trodden by countless asylum…

Al-Shabaab Abducts Five Kenyan Chiefs in Mandera County Nairobi, Kenya — Imagine clocking in for a day’s work, only to vanish without a trace. This unsettling fate befell five National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) from Mandera County, allegedly whisked away by Al-Shabaab militants. Why now? The abductions come with a disquieting timing—just before President William Ruto's anticipated visit to the region. Julius Njeru, the Mandera South Sub…

KISMAYO, Somalia — In a bid that echoes through the halls of Somali politics like a long-lost melody, the Jubaland state has extended an olive branch, urging a tête-à-tête with the Somali federal government. This gesture, announced on Monday by a regional minister, hints at a possible thaw in the frozen lake of their political standoff. Jubaland, one of Somalia's crucial federal states, has frequently found itself at loggerheads with the seat of power in Mogadishu. The reasons are manifold. Whether it's conflicting…

Kismayo (AX) – On a quiet Sunday night, the streets of Kismayo, a city historically marked by its tranquil vistas, were momentarily disturbed as the echoes of a decisive encounter reverberated through. Jubbaland's elite special forces, vigilant and unyielding, had orchestrated a precise operation that culminated in the neutralization of two Al-Shabaab operatives, taking a third into custody. But what unfolded was not just a story of numbers; it was a narrative deeply ingrained in the battle against shadowy foes. The trio…