attacks

Mogadishu (AX) — Recently, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo found himself in the thick of a heated discourse regarding the recent strategic withdrawal of government forces from crucial military positions, including Aden Yabaal in Middle Shabelle. In a world rife with misinformation, Farmaajo's plea to the Somali public emphasized unity and support for the national army, rather than succumbing to the insidious propaganda of Al-Shabaab. In a press release on Tuesday, the former leader articulated his…

In a matter of weeks, the north-central Nigerian states of Plateau and Benue have witnessed a chilling spike in violence, with at least 144 lives lost at the hands of herdsmen. The toll, as catastrophic as it is, reveals a deeper malaise—an ongoing conflict that has not only injured scores but also left over 50 homes in ruins. What drives such brutality, and how much longer can communities endure this torment? The violence reached new levels of horror recently in Benue, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to…

The tragic loss of 15 medics and humanitarian workers in Gaza, following gunfire directed at their ambulances by Israeli forces, has intensified concerns over potential war crimes by the Israeli military, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Volker Turk expressed his deep dismay before the UN Security Council, stating, "I am appalled by the recent killings of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian aid workers, which raise further concerns over the commission of war crimes by the Israeli military." This…

The crisp morning air of Masajid Ali Guduud, a critical juncture in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, was abruptly shattered as dawn broke on Wednesday. The stillness of the early hours gave way to the unmistakable chaos of an ambush as Al-Shabaab militants launched a fierce assault on a Somali National Army (SNA) base. The attack unfolded with a disconcerting familiarity—a blast echoed through the area, announcing the beginning of a violent skirmish that swiftly escalated into an exchange of heavy and light gunfire.…

Austrian authorities have announced the arrest of 15 individuals in connection with a disturbing series of hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ community. Following coordinated raids across the country, the police apprehended 12 men and three women who are suspected of engaging in assaults and robberies masquerading as acts of "vigilante justice." In a statement, law enforcement officials noted that the suspects claimed their actions were intended to “combat paedophiles.” These individuals allegedly resorted to creating…

An Examination of Ongoing Security Concerns in Somalia In the heart of Mogadishu, beneath its resilient facade, lies a series of challenges that question the notion of security in Somalia. Imagine a war room deep in Middle Jubba, where over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants are orchestrating a colossal plan. Their aim? To regain control of the strategically significant Middle Shabelle region—a colossal endeavor initiated in February, shedding light on the security vulnerabilities that persist in this embattled nation. The…

Al-Shabaab Launches Brazen Assault on Halane Base Camp, Hub for Western Embassies MOGADISHU, Somalia - Bold and audacious, the assault on Halane Base Camp by Al-Shabaab militants reverberated through the somber air of Mogadishu. Just hours prior, the group executed a failed attack on the convoy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a manifestation of escalating violence that has cast a long shadow over the nation. What drives such incessant aggression, you might wonder? The notorious group claimed the attack on the…

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently expressed a willingness to consider US President Donald Trump’s proposal for a month-long pause in military action against energy infrastructure in Ukraine. This limited ceasefire is something Ukraine has indicated it is open to evaluating. Despite this development, it's noteworthy that Russia did not provide the full 30-day cessation of hostilities that the United States had advocated for. Experts suggest that President Putin may be using this moment to gain time as Russian…

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Targets President's Convoy in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine the world of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on a brisk morning as he heads out with his convoy, each turn of the wheels fraught with the silent threats of the unseen. It was during such a journey to the frontlines—an endeavor to personally assess the valiant efforts of the nation’s troops—that the escapade faced a jarring threat. Reports have emerged that Al-Shabaab…

Netanyahu Indicates Ongoing Strikes in Gaza are 'Just the Beginning' In a significant escalation of violence, Israel has initiated extensive airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds. This marked operation underscores the complex and volatile situation currently unfolding in the Middle East. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "What we are witnessing is just the beginning." This statement resonates amid the tension rising in the region, emphasizing that further military actions may lie…