Somalia

AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Monday formally rejected unilateral attempts by Somalia’s federal government to amend the country’s provisional constitution, warning that the push risks fracturing national unity and destabilizing the federal system. After a high-level consultative meeting in Garowe, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and federal lawmakers from the region issued a joint statement condemning the reform process led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The regional leadership called the proposed…

BEIRUT — Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs and multiple areas across Lebanon on Monday after Hezbollah said it launched rockets and drones at a military base near Haifa in northern Israel, calling the operation retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement, the Iran-aligned Lebanese group said the attack was “in defence of Lebanon and its people” and “in response to the repeated Israeli aggressions.” “The resistance leadership has always affirmed that the…

Somalia’s political crossroads: constitutional overhaul, airspace disputes and a shrinking clock MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s fragile federal project is entering a decisive stretch where every move carries legal and political consequences. Pressure is mounting over a proposed constitutional overhaul, a breakdown in elite negotiations, an escalating dispute over control of airspace and airports, and enduring grievances about land governance in Mogadishu — all as the presidency faces a narrowing window to build consensus…

Arsenal stay five clear with set-piece edge over Chelsea as Man United surge to third; Fulham, Brighton also win Arsenal tightened their grip on the Premier League lead with a 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, while Benjamin Sesko’s second-half header completed Manchester United’s comeback against Crystal Palace to lift them to third. Fulham clipped Tottenham Hotspur in west London, and Brighton edged Nottingham Forest after a frantic opening quarter-hour. Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace…

Somalia condemns Iranian strikes on Arab states, backs Gulf allies and urges restraint MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the strikes had caused destruction, injuries and loss of life, and amounted to a breach of the territorial integrity of the affected states. “Somalia expresses its deep concern…

Flight carrying Puntland State lawmakers ordered back to Mogadishu; Puntland State suspends Daallo Airlines MOGADISHU, Somalia — More than 30 members of Somalia’s federal parliament from Puntland State were forced to return to the capital on Monday after their flight to Garowe was ordered back, intensifying a political standoff ahead of a planned consultative meeting in the regional capital. The lawmakers were en route to a meeting convened by Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni on Somalia’s political situation.…

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe has invited federal lawmakers from his state to a consultative meeting in Kismayo as political tensions mount over Somalia’s electoral process ahead of the 2026 vote. In a letter dated March 1, 2026, Madobe’s office called on members of both houses of the federal Parliament who represent Jubaland constituencies to convene for discussions on the national political situation and preparations for the coming elections. The outreach comes amid intensifying…

Three U.S. soldiers killed, five wounded as Iran retaliates; Trump warns of more losses Three American service members were killed and five others seriously wounded during U.S. attacks on Iran, the military said Sunday, marking the first American casualties in a major offensive that President Donald Trump warned could bring further losses in the coming weeks. U.S. Central Command announced the deaths in a post on X but did not say when or where they occurred as Iran strikes back after joint U.S.-Israeli attacks. The command…

MSF Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza This section details the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and the imperative for increased support from international communities. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is advocating for sustained assistance amid severe restrictions. MSF requests a massive scale-up of lifesaving assistance. Israeli authorities are being called upon to comply with international humanitarian law. Global governments must ensure the respect of International Court of Justice…

Iran declares 40 days of mourning as state media confirm Khamenei killed in Israeli-US strikes Iranian state media on Sunday confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office during Israeli-US attacks on Iran, an escalation that has jolted the region and set Tehran on a 40-day period of mourning for its paramount leader. The announcement followed hours of uncertainty after the Tasnim and Mehr news agencies initially reported that Khamenei was “steadfast and firm in commanding the field.” The…