Somalia

On June 6, 2025, a disturbing scene unfolded in Kyiv as fire and smoke billowed into the sky, following a relentless Russian drone strike. The situation underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions that have gripped Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its military operations. In the face of this turmoil, U.S. intelligence has been actively monitoring developments. According to U.S. officials, there is a palpable sense of foreboding surrounding Russian President Vladimir Putin's threats of retaliation against Ukraine following…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable display of tactical precision, the elite Danab commandos of the Somali National Army have successfully neutralized at least 25 Al-Shabaab militants, including three high-ranking commanders. This significant military operation unfolded in the village of Gaalware, which lies a mere four kilometers east of Sabiid and Caanoole in the Lower Shabelle region. The Ministry of Defense officially confirmed the operation on Sunday, shedding light on its remarkable outcomes. Alongside the elimination…

Makkah (AX) – In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Endorsements and Islamic Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, convened an important meeting on Sunday with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, the esteemed President of Türkiye’s Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı). This important dialogue took place at the Turkish Hajj Affairs Office, nestled within the holy city of Makkah, a location imbued with profound spiritual significance for Muslims around the globe. Sheikh Robow…

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, thousands of Syrian refugees in Türkiye eagerly flocked to border crossings. This year marked the first Eid al-Adha since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime, and the anticipation was palpable. The significance of this holiday, a time of reflection, reunion, and hope, was woven into the very fabric of their plans. Local media captured poignant scenes: long lines of families waiting at border gates days before June 6, ready to embrace the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of international camaraderie, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan engaged in a phone conversation with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This exchange served not merely as a diplomatic gesture but as a reaffirmation of Turkey’s steadfast support for Somalia—support that encompasses not only developmental goals but also critical facets of security and democratic aspirations. The dialogue between the two leaders was more than just a routine check-in. According to a statement…

A Tragedy in Northern Nigeria: Lives Lost and Communities Uprooted In the north-central heart of Nigeria, a tragedy unfolded as relentless downpours claimed the lives of over 150 souls. The flooding inundated a bustling market town, painting a grim picture that Saturday witnessed, according to reports from local emergency services. Imagine waking up one morning to find your world submerged. In Mokwa, a town nestled over 180 miles west of Abuja, that became a harsh reality for more than 3,000 residents, as floodwaters…

Prospects for Peace: DR Congo and M23 Rebels Consider Path Forward Amidst the complex political landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a tentative draft for peace has emerged, delivered by Qatari mediators to both the Congolese government and the M23 rebel faction. But what does this signify for a region long embroiled in conflict? A reliable insider, preferring to remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of ongoing discussions, informed AFP of the new development. "A peace…

Somalia finds itself in a precarious state, entrapped by a cycle of recycled political elites whose ambitions and rivalries continually hinder national progress. Despite numerous attempts at reconciliation and dialogue, the leadership crisis has deepened, culminating in the disappointing failure of the national dialogue initiative proposed by the current president. One is left to wonder—at what point do these empty promises cease to resonate with a populace yearning for genuine change? Ironically, many of those opposing the…

A Significant U.S. Navy Operation: Unraveling the Threads of an Arms Smuggling Case On a relatively quiet January 11, 2024, the U.S. Navy conducted a pivotal operation that would soon reveal layers of complexity and danger beneath the surface. Forces aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller intercepted a suspicious, unflagged dhow navigating the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, near the tumultuous waters off Somalia. Captained by an individual known as Pahlawan, this vessel was not merely a fishing boat or a mundane cargo ship. It…

Mogadishu: A Call for Unity Amidst Political Tensions Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali political landscape is once again at a crossroads, and the air is thick with tension. On Monday, government ministers squarely pointed fingers at opposition leaders within the Somali Salvation Forum. They accused these leaders of refusing to participate in a national dialogue crucial for addressing the deepening chasm of political conflict. One can almost hear the echo of urgency in their voices, as these ministers seek to pave a path toward…