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

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AX) — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, working with international security partners, carried out an airstrike on a high-level meeting of al-Shabab commanders in the Middle Juba region on Wednesday, targeting a safe house in the Bu’aale district, security officials said. Authorities described the mission as intelligence-led and designed to fracture the al-Qaida-linked group’s senior leadership. The compound, identified as a venue for strategic consultations among senior figures, was…

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey accused federal immigration agents of “creating chaos” after a Venezuelan man pursued during a targeted traffic stop was shot in the leg by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security officer, sparking a night of clashes between protesters and law enforcement. “We cannot counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own brand of chaos,” Frey said, calling the federal presence “not sustainable” and urging calm as tensions flared citywide. DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said the…

Contradictions in CAR’s Political Landscape: A New Era or a Cycle of Conflict? The Central African Republic (CAR) stands at a pivotal juncture following the recent elections, which have been marred by violence and turmoil. Reports indicate that clashes erupted as a militia—initially formed with backing from Russia—turned against the government. This alarming development raises questions about the stability of the nation and the broader implications for the region. In the midst of this chaos, President Faustin-Archange…

In a thrilling climax to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-finals, Morocco and Senegal have booked their spots in the final, setting the stage for a showdown rife with historical significance and national pride. The contrasting victories of both teams showcased not just their tactical prowess but also their resilience under pressure, enhancing the narrative leading up to the coveted championship match. Senegal secured their place in the final by narrowly defeating Egypt 1-0 at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The…

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration will end Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals and begin deportations in March, the Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday, saying thousands will be required to leave the United States once their protections lapse. In a statement posted to its X account, DHS said, “Our message is clear. Go back to your own country, or we’ll send you back ourselves.” “Temporary means temporary. Country conditions in Somalia have improved to the point that it no longer meets the law’s…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s abrupt decision to cancel port management and security cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates caps years of friction and crystallizes a new geopolitical split in the Horn of Africa. Triggered by Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state — the first by any country — the rupture threatens to reorder alliances, stress Somalia’s fragile federal compact, and unsettle maritime security along one of the world’s most strategic coastlines. The move,…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said he held a “long call” with Venezuela’s interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, the first known direct contact between the two since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro, signaling a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations that blends cautious engagement with continuing pressure over human rights. “We just had a great conversation today, and she’s a terrific person,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. In posts on social media, he said the pair discussed “many topics,” including oil, minerals,…

X said it will geoblock parts of its AI image tools to stop Grok, its chatbot, from generating or editing sexualized images of real people, escalating its response to a global backlash and mounting investigations tied to deepfake abuse of women and minors. In a statement, X’s safety team said it will “geoblock the ability” of all Grok and X users to create images of people in “bikinis, underwear, and similar attire” in jurisdictions where such content is illegal. “We have implemented technological measures to prevent the…

Somalia’s NISA says senior al-Shabaab landmine operative killed in Afgooye raid MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said it killed a senior member of the al-Shabaab militant group during a planned operation Wednesday on the outskirts of Afgooye in the Lower Shabelle region. In a statement, NISA said the man was responsible for preparing and planting landmines that targeted security forces and civilians in and around Afgooye, a key district west of the capital. The agency described the raid as…

UN Security Council to meet on Iran as U.S. pulls some personnel from Middle East bases The U.N. Security Council is expected to convene for a briefing on the situation in Iran at the request of the United States, according to a scheduling note cited by a spokesperson for the Somali presidency. The move comes as the U.S. withdraws some personnel from regional bases amid heightened tensions and warnings from Tehran that it would target American facilities if struck. A U.S. official said some drawdowns are underway. Qatar…