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US President Donald Trump has offered his support for both state and federal responses to the devastating flash flooding in Texas during his recent visit to the Hill Country. This tragic event resulted in the loss of at least 120 lives, including many children. While participating in a roundtable discussion following a tour of Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, Mr. Trump commended Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for their efforts, stating they did an "incredible job." This…

Somali Forces and Local Fighters Repel Al-Shabaab Assault MOQOKORI, Somalia - The resilient Somali National Army (SNA), alongside dedicated local fighters, successfully repelled a fierce assault by the Al-Shabaab militants, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of conflict in the central regions. Like threads woven into a complex fabric, this confrontation unfolded with unexpected intensity and lasted for several tense hours on a Saturday, as the national efforts to dismantle the militant group persist.…

Education Tensions in North Western State of Somalia: A Story of Sovereignty and Resilience Hargeisa (AX) — In a bold move that has stirred the political pot in eastern Sanaag, North Western State of Somalia authorities have initiated national school exams, a step that has raised tensions in a region long contested by Northeastern State. Northeastern State, which openly forbade these tests, found its directives challenged as students prepared for their assessments across towns like Badhan and Dhahar. The exams commenced…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on Saturday, forces of the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside Ugandan troops operating under the auspices of the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), successfully seized control of the strategic towns of Sabid and Anole from the clutches of al-Shabab militants in the Lower Shabelle region. This operation not only represents a tactical victory but also a beacon of hope for the residents of these towns who have long lived under the shadow of fear.…

In a significant development, North Korea has officially confirmed its deployment of troops to Russia. According to the state news agency KCNA, these soldiers have been assisting Moscow in reclaiming territory previously held by Ukraine in the Kursk region. This revelation comes just days after Russia acknowledged North Korea’s involvement. For some time, South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have reported that Pyongyang dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to aid in operations in Kursk last year. As the Central…

Somali Forces Withdraw from Aboorey: A Tactical Retreat or a Cause for Concern? Of late, the conflict in Somalia has taken yet another turn. Somali government troops, along with allied local militia, have withdrawn from Aboorey, a critical town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia. This decision came after two weeks of intense combat with Al-Shabaab militants, a group that has long posed a significant threat to stability in the region. The announcement, confirmed by defense officials on Wednesday, leaves many…

Over a decade ago, nations within the Great Lakes region united under a mineral certification scheme, aimed at curtailing the illegal exploitation of vital minerals. This endeavor was not merely bureaucratic; it sought to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in a region often marred by strife. Yet, experts now caution that the promised progress has been minimal, leaving the specter of conflict still looming over these resource-rich lands. During a recent congregation at the International Conference on the…

In a somber turn of events, the government has officially designated KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) as a "disaster-affected area." This decision comes in the wake of devastating floods that have not only claimed lives but have also caused immense destruction across the region, with roads and bridges being swept away in the relentless torrents. Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) emphasized the urgent necessity for resilient infrastructure. It’s alarming to think…

Mogadishu (AX) – A restless night unfolded in El-Bur, nestled within Somalia's Galgadud region, as a local militia known as Ma'awisley undertook a daring raid on the abode of an Al-Shabaab leader. The night air was tense with anticipation as the militia launched their surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, targeting none other than Yahye Laba Madax. Can you picture the furtive glances and the whispered strategies as these determined individuals, driven by a mix of courage and fear, plotted against a formidable…

Beledweyne (AX) – In the often tumultuous chessboard of Somalia, where tactics and survival mingle intricately, the ebb and flow of conflict has confounded yet again. Al-Shabaab militants, those elusive insurgents with their unslakable thirst for turmoil, have found a new haunt—nestled by the murmuring banks of the Shabelle River in the Mahaday district, they plan their next move. Local inhabitants mutter about seeing swarms of militants sweeping into the area, battered from recent fierce skirmishes in Hiiraan. It’s as if…