Somalia

FILE - At a government assembly in Mogadishu, Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Ali Balcad voices significant national subjects.In a recent announcement, the Somali government cleared the air about the imminent return of a small group of Somali citizens from Germany. These individuals, having been found guilty of severe crimes, are scheduled for repatriation soon, thus sparking conversation about whether this might impact the larger Somali refugee community residing in Germany. Shedding light on the matter, Deputy…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious offensive, Somalia's National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA) unleashed a blistering assault against al-Shabaab, taking down at least 19 of their operatives in the Yaaqle area within Middle Shabelle. They made this announcement on Friday, painting a vivid picture of a strategic victory in their ongoing anti-terrorism campaign. This calculated operation zeroed in on a concealed lair, harboring al-Shabaab fighters plotting under the radar. NISA claims they successfully neutralized key…

Marian Hassan, a passionate educator, has dedicated her career to teaching Minnesotans about the Somali language and capturing oral histories from elderly Somali residents. This enthusiastic endeavor is essential to stopping the impending loss of language in the state. With her insightful work, Marian highlights an issue close to her heart—protecting Somalia's rich cultural legacy. Although Somali ranks as the third most spoken language in Minnesota, following English and Spanish, it's fascinating to realize that it wasn't…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Friday, the U.S. Africa Command, or AFRICOM if you're in the know, set the record straight about a drone that took a nosedive on Tuesday in the southern reaches of Somalia. What did they say? Well, turns out it was an American drone—not Turkish, like some local chatter had claimed. This misstep had folks initially mistaking the fancy flying gizmo for a Turkish Bayraktar TB2. Quite the mix-up! The drone, an MQ-1C Gray Eagle to be exact, crash-landed near Farsooley—a spot under the watchful eye of…

Somalia's U-17 football squad squared off against Algeria in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations match, their performance a testament to their determination on the field. Wearing their distinctive blue kits, the young Somali players worked tirelessly to thwart Algeria’s aggressive advances, showcasing remarkable tenacity and skill. Mogadishu (AX) — In Uganda, the stage is set for the U-17 CECAFA qualifiers. Here, East and Central Africa's burgeoning football maestros will strive to claim their spots in the prestigious 2025…

Mogadishu (AX) — Donald Trump's return to the presidency has sent shivers through immigrant groups across America, especially among Somali communities now wrestling with fresh anxieties over deportation. His campaign emphasized a stringent approach toward undocumented migrants, pledging historic levels of deportation. This has stirred alarm particularly among Somali families who view North America as a sanctuary and now fear their settled lives might face upheaval. Many are considering the possibility of relocating to…

Government and Al-Shabaab Forces Clash, Resulting in Loss of 11 Soldiers in Southern Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — A fierce firefight near Wayaanta, some 60 kilometers from Kismayo, claimed the lives of at least 11 soldiers from both Somali regional and federal units on Wednesday. The area, located in the state of Jubaland, became a hotbed of violence as government troops clashed with al-Shabaab insurgents. Anonymously, three officials disclosed that the skirmish not only fatally impacted the forces but also left…

In 2018, Qatar and Somalia inked a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a joint supreme committee, marking a pivotal step to enhance collaboration between the two nations. Fast-forward to a recent pivotal meeting, almost four months post the Somali Diaspora Conference in July over in Qatar. This gathering was squarely focused on tackling the array of challenges faced by Somalia. The dialogues spanned from education and entrepreneurship to cultural identity, youth empowerment, and fostering economic investments in Somalia.…

In the bustling heart of Seoul, amidst the din of a typical Wednesday morning on November 6, 2024, televisions flickered with the image of a familiar face: the Republican torchbearer and ex-President Donald Trump once again stepping into the spotlight of global affairs. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) In the city of London, despair was the mood as Americans saw an unexpected climax to their high-stakes political drama. The yards came alive with murmurs when predictions were upended as Trump clinched presidency for a sequel.…

Colonel Yahya Mohamed, the Deputy Director of Kenya's National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), recently shed light on the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations, emphasizing their rapid adaptation to technological advancements. During the Fourth Dushanbe Conference in Kuwait, Mohamed noted that these groups are harnessing encrypted communications, drones, and digital currencies to avoid detection and fund their operations. Kenya's strategic geographical location, sharing borders with countries like Somalia, places it…