base

Somalia’s president vows to block any Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia, calls recognition ‘illegal’ MOGADISHU — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia and vowed to prevent any Israeli military footprint in the breakaway region, warning the move threatens regional stability and international norms. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Mohamud said Somalia “will never allow” an Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia…

U.S. begins $70 million upgrade of Kenyan air base after 2020 al-Shabab attack NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States has launched a $70 million project to expand an airfield at Manda Bay Air Base in coastal Kenya, deepening counterterrorism cooperation with Nairobi four years after an al-Shabab assault killed three Americans at the site. The expansion is underway at the Kenyan Defense Forces facility in Lamu County near the Somalia border, a longtime hub for operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab. U.S. Deputy…

Al-Shabaab attacks Jubaland base in Kuday; outcome disputed KISMAYO, Somalia — Al-Shabaab fighters launched a pre-dawn assault Wednesday on a Jubaland security forces base in Kuday, a strategic coastal area in Lower Jubba about 60 kilometers south of the port city of Kismayo, according to local sources. Residents said the attack began with explosions that were followed by direct clashes between government soldiers and the militants around the base on Kuday island. The scale of the fighting and the extent of damage remained…

U.S. pulls some personnel from Middle East bases as Iran warns of strikes if attacked The United States is withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran, a U.S. official said Wednesday, as Tehran warned regional neighbors it would target American facilities if Washington launches strikes. The U.N. Security Council is due to meet on Iran on Thursday at the request of the United States. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the drawdowns are…

The sting of defeat is difficult to bear. Constantly facing reminders of that loss can feel particularly harsh. As the media and political strategists made their way out of the nation’s capital from Washington Dulles International Airport, echoes of the tumultuous week rang in their ears. Merchandise featuring Kamala Harris was notably marked down by 50%. Bright red 'clearance' stickers plastered Joe Biden's inventory, a glaring sign of discontent. Such is the game of politics. Kamala Harris' merchandise was notably…

Somalia: Devastating Al-Shabaab Assault Claims Lives of AU Troops at Mogadishu’s Halane Base MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a ruthless act of violence, Al-Shabaab insurgents launched a mortar attack on Sunday, tragically ending the lives of two soldiers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), according to law enforcement authorities. This incident unfolded ominously close to the Aden Adde International Airport, a locale reinforced against such threats. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, representing the African Union…

Kismayo (AX) - On a notable Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the reins of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in Jubaland State.Tucked away in Lower Juba, Kuday FOB has been under the vigilant watch of the ATMIS Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015. The troops have been pivotal in fortifying Kismayo, acting as a crucial barrier around the bustling port city.Brig. Rashid Seif, who commands Sector Two of ATMIS, led the ceremonial turnover attended…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the baton of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali forces. It's a significant leap in the third phase of ATMIS's troop drawdown, highlighting Somalia’s budding prowess in managing its security landscape all by itself. Since 2015, this base, which sits snugly near the strategic port town of Kismayo, has been helmed by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) under ATMIS's wing. As an essential defensive anchor, it has…

Harris Voices Grave Concerns for Lebanon While Engaging with Herzog The geopolitical spotlight has once again turned to the Middle East, as escalating tensions in Lebanon become increasingly alarming. In a recent conversation, Ireland's Taoiseach, Simon Harris, underscored his "serious concern" regarding the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Lebanon during his phone dialogue with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing situation not only raises eyebrows globally but also sparks fears of broader instability in the…

Al-Shabaab Militants Stage Assault on Ethiopian Troops in Somalia WAJID, Somalia: Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia’s Bakool province faced an onslaught by al-Shabaab fighters late Friday, igniting an intense battle in Wajid district, insiders disclosed. The incursion against the Ethiopian base sparked a robust counter-attack, with both factions locked in fierce combat. Nearby residents recounted a barrage of booms and gunfire, hinting at serious conflict escalation. Ethiopian troops retaliated with a barrage of…