allies

In a developing tale that intertwines geopolitics and aviation, Belarus's national airline, Belavia, appears to be on the brink of a significant acquisition. Sanctioned by the West and in desperate need of aircraft, Belavia is reportedly poised to bolster its fleet with three Airbus A330 aircraft, which previously flew under the banner of Magic Air, a Gambian carrier. This revelation comes from three reliable sources who spoke to Reuters. Belarus and its ally, Russia, have been navigating…

For over a decade, the narrative of Somalia has been marked by the shadows of an insurgency led by Al-Shabaab. This group, notorious for its relentless grip, has proven to be a challenging adversary to the Somali government, despite the latter's determined efforts to reclaim peace. Imagine the persistent dread of a storm that, though it calms momentarily, resurfaces with unexpected fury. This analogy captures the dynamic between Al-Shabaab and the forces combating them. The latest military endeavors…

Strengthening Alliances: UK’s Financial Commitment to Defence This weekend, a significant gathering is set to take place, orchestrated by none other than British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. After returning from a high-stakes meeting with the former US President Donald Trump at the White House, Starmer has extended invitations to several world leaders. He stated, “I am hosting a number of countries at the weekend for us to continue to discuss how we go forward together as allies in light of the situation that we face.” Such…

In a pivotal moment for European politics, Friedrich Merz, the victor of Germany's recent election, has conveyed a clear and resonant message: the United States must not abandon its allies. Yet, he also emphasizes the pressing need for Europeans to enhance their own defense capabilities. As he succinctly put it, we are currently at “five minutes to midnight for Europe.” This stark reminder comes amidst a backdrop of uncertainty shaking the foundations of the transatlantic alliance, particularly following the contentious…

WASHINGTON — The air was tense in the political corridors of Washington as a U.S. congressman, Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, unfurled a whirlwind of accusations, claiming the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is inadvertently channeling funds to nefarious entities like the Islamic State (ISIS), Al-Qaeda, and other malevolent groups. This, he declared, was a fiasco of monumental proportions, raising eyebrows and temperatures in equal measure. Thursday bore witness to the…

Beledweyne (AX) — Standing at the confluence of strategic river routes, the heart of Jicibow has emerged from its recent turmoil as Somali National Army (SNA) forces, accompanied by intrepid local allies, plant their sovereign flag over the town. After a prolonged and grueling conflict that shook the Hiiraan region's very foundation, the tenacious forces prevailed against the unyielding insurgency of Al-Shabaab on Thursday. Why Jicibow? Why now? To the unconcerned eye, Jicibow is but a speck on the…

Kismayo (AX) – Jubaland's spirited leader, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, boarded a private jet on Saturday morning, setting his sights on Kenya. It's his first cross-border jaunt since he snagged the presidency of Jubaland once again—a victory that the Somali federal government has dished out cold shoulders and a tight-lipped refusal to acknowledge. A swathe of diplomats awaits him in Kenya, where whispers in government corridors suggest that talks will orbit around the thorny political landscape of Somalia. High on the…

Northeastern State's Bold Strike: A New Chapter in the Fight Against ISIS BOSASO, Somalia - Armed with grit, guts, and a little help from some international friends, Northeastern State's security force launched a daring aerial assault against ISIS. This late-night venture, set under a canopy of stars, zeroed in on the elusive positions of Islamic State in the craggy landscapes around Isku-Shuban. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, only with more drones and less poking. The darkness didn't dampen the effectiveness…

Mogadishu (AX) — The international community is raising a red flag over the growing friction between Somalia's Federal Government and Jubaland State, urging a chill-out period and talks that bring something constructive to the table. This spat heated up post-Jubaland's no-show at the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a forum meant to iron out issues crucial for Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts. Not too long ago, in early October, Jubaland’s President Ahmed Madobe stepped away from an NCC talk,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's intelligence powerhouse, NISA, teaming up with global partners, carried out a high-stakes raid across Middle Shabelle and Galgadud regions. The mission concluded with the demise of 40 al-Shabaab operatives, including the notorious Moalim Aarow, a mastermind of numerous assaults. Within 24 hours, the strike also left 29 rebels nursing injuries. The target? Vital al-Shabaab hotspots dotted across the Yaaqle area in Middle Shabelle and Galgadud's remote villages, sharply crippling their movements…