AlShabaab

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent and decisive operation, Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) successfully neutralized a senior operative affiliated with Al-Shabaab. This operation took place on Tuesday in the Lower Shabelle region, an area that has long been a hotbed for insurgent activities, as announced by the federal government. The gravity of this achievement is underscored by the militant's critical role in orchestrating Al-Shabaab operations in the Dhanaane and Gandarshe areas. Though the…

Al-Shabaab Forces Burundian Troops to Retreat from Strategic Somali Town MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a significant shift, Al-Shabaab, the notorious militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has successfully ousted Burundian forces from the strategically vital town of Xawaadley in Middle Shabelle. This event unfolds barely a month after the Somali National Army faced its own setback in Adan Yabaal. Reports abound of Burundian troops and local allies being compelled to vacate their posts in Xawaadley, situated roughly 50…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards enhancing security and stability, the Somali military court delivered a resounding message on Saturday by sentencing five individuals for their affiliation with Al-Shabaab and their involvement in orchestrating a series of assassination plots and bombings within the heart of Mogadishu. The proceedings took place at the First Instance Court of the Armed Forces, where the weight of justice was borne on the shoulders of these convicted men. The convictions were rooted in…

Airstrikes Target Al-Shabaab Stronghold in Southern Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - A recent series of airstrikes on Friday has marked another pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to counteract Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia. The collaborative efforts of the Somali National Army (SNA), the US Africa Command, and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) signify a unified approach to suppress these entrenched militant groups.…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a dramatic Friday night, the Somali government, in collaboration with international allies, orchestrated an airstrike aimed directly at Al-Shabaab militants nestled in the Basra region. Awarded for its strategic positioning between Balcad and Afgooye, this landscape plays a pivotal role in the ongoing military endeavors against insurgent forces. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing a series of thunderous explosions that resonated through the night, reverberating as far as local neighborhoods. These…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In recent months, a troubling alliance has begun to take shape between two notorious entities: Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militants and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This emerging partnership poses a significant threat to the security of maritime traffic and the delicate equilibrium of regional stability. The implications resonate far and wide across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and even the expansive reaches of the western Indian Ocean. The Africa Center recently unveiled a comprehensive report that delves into…

Somali National Army Takes Major Strides Against Al-Shabaab Beledweyne (AX) — In a continuing effort to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local militia forces, launched a meticulously planned assault on militant positions in the Aboorey area of Buula Burte district, located in the Hiiraan region, early Thursday morning. The vivid imagery of modern warfare is often marked by unforeseen tension and a palpable sense of urgency. Imagine for a moment,…

Ex-Somali President Rejects Al-Shabaab Allegations, Cites Security Corruption MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air was thick with tension as former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed stood before a diverse gathering at a political conference on Wednesday. His message was unambiguous: accusations by the government suggesting opposition sympathy towards Al-Shabaab are, in his words, "baseless and politically motivated." The former president, known for his candidness, described these allegations as a calculated…

Beledweyne (AX) – In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, senior leaders from both the Somali government and the regional councils convened in Tardo town, located in the Hiiraan region. This meeting, held on Tuesday, was essential for fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities, especially given the complexities of the evolving security landscape. Leading this high-level delegation was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of the National…

UN Envoy: Somali Government Urged to Reconsider Strategy Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a land where conflict has become woven into the very fabric of society, the struggle against Al-Shabaab seems far from its end. According to a United Nations special envoy, the Somali National Army (SNA) and its allies might find themselves entrenched in a seemingly endless battle. Might it be time to reimagine the strategies we've held dear? Recently, the United States, a pivotal…