Axadle - Breaking news and analysis from Somalia, the Horn of Africa, and across Africa.

WASHINGTON — Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is expected to appear in a U.S. court on drug charges after his capture by American forces, even as President Donald Trump signaled the possibility of further incursions and broader regional action if Washington’s demands on Venezuela’s interim government are not met. Maduro, 63, is being held in a New York detention center following a Saturday military raid in Caracas that jolted the country’s political order and set off international alarm. Trump administration…

Venezuelan officials vowed to remain unified behind President Nicolas Maduro after U.S. forces seized the 63-year-old leader and flew him to New York to face drug charges, deepening uncertainty over Venezuela’s future and prompting international pushback. Maduro is being held in a New York detention center ahead of a court appearance. U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his capture and said Washington would take control of the oil-rich South American nation, a declaration that rattled allies and adversaries alike and drew…

Deadly clashes flared across Iran as cost-of-living protests entered a second week, with rights groups and local media reporting fresh confrontations, multiple deaths and hundreds of arrests amid a heavy security deployment in major cities. At least 12 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed since the unrest began with a shopkeepers’ strike in Tehran on Dec. 28, according to an official toll compiled from state and semi-official reports. Demonstrations have been reported in 23 of Iran’s 31…

Nigeria: Armed gangs kill at least 30, torch market in Niger state raid; dozens kidnapped Armed gangs killed more than 30 people and abducted others in a raid on Kasuwan Daji village in Niger state, police said, the latest mass attack in a region scarred by bandit violence and recent school kidnappings. Gunmen swept into Kasuwan Daji, in the Kabe district of northwestern Nigeria’s Niger state, and set a market ablaze before looting shops for food, according to authorities. “Over 30 victims lost their lives during the attack,…

Senegal, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, survived an early scare at the weekend to beat Sudan 3-1 and became the first nation to secure a place in the 2025 quarterfinals. The victory, secured after Senegal regrouped following a nervy opening period, puts the West African side through to the last eight with matches remaining in the group stage. The result also underscored Senegal’s depth and experience in tournament conditions as they absorbed pressure early and produced the decisive finishing that has defined…

Britain and France carried out a joint airstrike in Syria targeting an underground facility north of Palmyra that was likely used by the Islamic State group to store weapons, the British Ministry of Defence said. “Royal Air Force aircraft have completed successful strikes against Daesh in a joint operation with France,” the ministry said in a statement, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group. “This facility had been occupied by Daesh, most likely to store weapons and explosives. The area around the facility is…

Venezuelans in Ireland welcome Maduro’s removal but question U.S. role and path ahead as Dublin protest targets raid DUBLIN — Venezuelans living in Ireland have greeted the removal of Nicolas Maduro with relief and unease, celebrating the end of a regime they say crushed civic life while warning that a U.S.-led transition risks paternalism and confusion. Maduro, described by U.S. officials as Venezuela’s toppled leader, is in a New York detention center awaiting drug charges after President Donald Trump ordered an audacious…

Olmo and Lewandowski strike late as Barcelona win derby; Villarreal rise to third; Celta routs Valencia BARCELONA — La Liga leader Barcelona left it late but left Cornellà with the points, beating Espanyol 2-0 in the city derby on Saturday behind an 86th-minute stunner from Dani Olmo and a stoppage-time clincher from Robert Lewandowski. Former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, jeered throughout by the home crowd after his summer switch across the city, was Barcelona’s other match-winner with a string of saves that frustrated…

Deadly landmine blast kills at least 7 civilians near Ceeldheer in central Somalia CEELDHEER, Somalia — At least seven civilians were killed and several others were wounded Sunday when a vehicle traveling in a convoy struck a landmine on the outskirts of Ceeldheer district in central Somalia’s Galgaduud region, local officials said. Authorities said the injured were evacuated to Mogadishu for treatment. Details on the number of wounded and the extent of their injuries were not immediately available. Security officials blamed…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali National Army Danab special forces killed 15 al-Shabab militants and captured eight others in a targeted raid late Saturday in Jilib district, a long-held stronghold of the extremist group in southern Somalia, the Defense Ministry said. The overnight operation zeroed in on militant positions inside the strategic town, part of a continuing campaign to degrade al-Shabab’s leadership, logistics and capacity to launch attacks. Casualties: 15 militants killed, eight captured, according to the Defense…