Three U.S. fighter jets accidentally shot down in Kuwaiti airspace

Three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defenses over Kuwait early Monday amid intense regional fighting with Iran, U.S. Central Command said. All six crew members ejected, were recovered and are in stable condition, according to Centcom. The incident unfolded during “active combat” that included attacks from Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones, Centcom said in a statement. Kuwait has acknowledged the shootdown as an apparent friendly-fire mistake and launched an…

Homeland chief Noem defends comments labeling slain American citizens as terrorists

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday stood by her characterization of two U.S. citizens shot dead by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis as “domestic terrorism,” refusing to retract the remarks during a combative Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that underscored the political and operational stakes of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Sen. Dick Durbin, the committee’s top Democrat, repeatedly pressed Noem to walk back her statements about Renee Good and Alex Pretti — as well as a…

Chinese Ship Released After Seizure in Somali Territorial Waters

Chinese fishing vessel and crew freed after seizure off Puntland State following China–Somalia coordination MOGADISHU — A Chinese fishing vessel seized by armed men off the coast of Puntland State was released along with all crew members after coordinated efforts by China, Somalia’s federal government and Puntland State authorities, officials said Tuesday. The vessel was freed on March 2 in what the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu described as a peaceful resolution reached through close consultations between Somalia’s federal…

Somalia Requires National ID for All Domestic Flights

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has begun enforcing a new rule that requires passengers to present a national identity card for all domestic flights, a move officials say will tighten security and modernize how the country oversees internal air travel. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority said the measure took effect March 1 following a two-month postponement intended to give citizens more time to register for the national ID. The policy was originally slated for Jan. 1, 2026. Mustafa Sheikh Ahmed Dhuxulow, the…

Lingering Doubts Cloud U.S. Justification for Iran Operation

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump launched a full-throttle media blitz to defend and define Operation Epic Fury on Monday, offering shifting timelines for the U.S.-led strikes on Iran even as his administration sought to project a unified mission and steady command of the campaign. After a weekend dialing into television interviews from Florida, Trump returned to the White House and appeared on CNN and Fox News before midday. He told one outlet the assault could end in “two or three days with a deal.” On CNN, he said the…

The Role of Constitutional Authority in Political Decision-making

Amendments to Somalia's Federal Constitution: Unpacking Article 54 This article explores the implications of proposed amendments to Chapter 5 of the Provisional Constitution, particularly focusing on Article 54. It delves into the shifting dynamics of power allocation between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMS), analyzing both legal and political ramifications. Overview of the historical context surrounding Article 54. Examination of the proposed amendments and their…

UN Backs Somali Trade Unions’ Nationwide Labor Rights Education Drive

In a country that has waited more than half a century for modern workplace protections, a union-led, United Nations-backed push is taking the new law from paper to factory floors, markets and offices across Somalia. The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has launched a nationwide labour rights education drive to help workers understand, reclaim and defend their rights under Somalia’s newly adopted Labour Code — the first comprehensive reform in 52 years. The Labour Code emerged from sustained social dialogue among the…

Oil and gas freight costs soar as Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz disruption sends tanker and LNG shipping rates to records as U.S.-Iran tensions spike Global oil and gas shipping costs surged to fresh records as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a near standstill after Tehran targeted vessels transiting the key waterway, according to shipping data and industry sources. The choke point between Iran and Oman carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas. The strikes on ships, part of Iran’s retaliation to U.S. and…

UN backs Somali trade unions’ nationwide labor rights education to empower workers

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), backed by the United Nations, has launched a nationwide labor rights education campaign to turn Somalia’s first comprehensive Labour Code reform in 52 years into real protections in workplaces across the country. The newly adopted Labour Code was crafted through sustained tripartite dialogue among the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLSA), the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and FESTU, with technical and financial…

Mourners gather as Iran holds funerals for victims of Iranian school attack

Funerals take place following attack on Iran school Funerals were held in Iran following an attack on a school, underscoring a day of grief and somber reflection for families and communities confronting the loss. The rites drew mourners to pay respects to the victims as the country absorbed the shock of violence striking an educational setting. Details about the incident, including the full scope of casualties and responsibility, were not immediately available. In the absence of confirmed information, the focus remained on…