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BAIDOA, Somalia — At least 10 people were wounded after two days of heavy fighting between Southwest state security forces and armed militia groups rocked Baidoa, shuttering businesses, snarling transport and cutting communications in parts of the city, residents and local officials said. The clashes erupted Wednesday and continued into Thursday, beginning as a land dispute before spiraling into broader unrest with political undertones, according to witnesses. Residents reported the use of heavy weapons in several…

Somalia arrests alleged son of ex–al-Shabab leader after street-robbery video in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency has arrested a man identified as the son of former al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, accusing him of involvement in street crime and insecurity in the capital, officials said Tuesday. The suspect, named by authorities as Abdifitaah Ahmed Godane, was detained after security cameras captured him and another man robbing a mobile phone from a young girl in a…

Barcelona beats Elche 3-1 to stay four points clear in La Liga as Torres and Rashford score Barcelona retained its lead at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 win away to Elche on Saturday night, a result built on early incision from Lamine Yamal and finished off by Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford. The victory lifts Barcelona to 55 points, four ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, which plays Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Yamal opened the scoring early, settling Barcelona into a rhythm that soon produced a flurry of chances.…

Somalia parliament descends into chaos as opposition blocks constitutional debate in Mogadishu MOGADISHU — Somalia’s lower house erupted into chaos Monday as opposition lawmakers shut down the opening of a debate on sweeping constitutional amendments, occupying the speaker’s seat, blocking entrances to the chamber and forcing the suspension of proceedings. The confrontation came as Parliament prepared to take up proposed changes to chapters five through nine of the provisional constitution — a politically charged package…

MOGADISHU — Mogadishu City Club and Horseed Sports Club will contest the Jaranaal Da’uud Tournament final on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with the Somali Football Federation unveiling an updated format that guarantees a decisive result on the day — extra time and, if needed, penalties — as part of a broader bid to raise standards across the domestic game. In a letter signed by SFF Chairman Ali Shiino and circulated Saturday, the federation confirmed both clubs’ participation in the final and detailed the match regulations designed…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government on Monday praised Türkiye for what it called steadfast support in security cooperation and counterterrorism, following talks in Mogadishu between Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and a high-level Turkish delegation. In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office described Türkiye as a strategic partner that has bolstered Somalia’s security, unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It said Ankara’s engagement has been central to strengthening Somali state institutions,…

Somalia’s parliament erupts in chaos over constitutional amendments, session suspended MOGADISHU — A joint session of Somalia’s bicameral parliament collapsed into disorder Wednesday as opposition legislators disrupted plans to debate sweeping constitutional amendments, triggering scuffles on the floor and forcing leaders to suspend proceedings. Opposition lawmakers protested proposed changes to five chapters of the Provisional Federal Constitution Clashes broke out between rival MPs; the session was suspended without…

Tehran, Iran — Iranian authorities warned of severe consequences if the United States launches strikes, unveiling a defiant billboard in central Tehran as security forces announced fresh arrests tied to deadly protests and a near-total internet blackout stretched into a third week. Tehran showcased a billboard depicting a wrecked U.S. aircraft carrier and the message, “If you sow the wind, you will reap the whirlwind.” Iran vowed a “comprehensive and regret-inducing response” to any attack and warned of wider insecurity…

‘We sell what we collect’: In Kismayo, displaced women turn acacia seeds into a lifeline KISMAYO, Somalia — Before sunrise on the outskirts of this southern port city, groups of women shoulder sacks and long sticks and set out from the internal displacement camps. They walk together into the scrub outside Kismayo, toward stands of acacia trees where, with a shake and a thud, their day’s earnings fall to the ground. Their harvest — tiny, brown acacia seeds, locally known as abqo — has become a fragile but vital income stream.…

Real Sociedad beat FC Barcelona 2-1 in a breathless, contentious finish on Sunday, trimming Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to a single point and tightening a title race sharpened by Real Madrid’s win a day earlier. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring with a far-post volley in the 32nd minute after a disputed buildup, and Goncalo Guedes delivered the winner barely a minute after Marcus Rashford had dragged Barcelona level in the 70th. The hosts then survived a late red card to Carlos Soler and a barrage of Barcelona…