clashes

Experts suggest Donald Trump's Afghan refugee policies may herald a stringent stance on immigration Washington, DC – It was a rainy September morning in 2023 when Ruqia Balkhi first set foot in the United States. After a journey fraught with uncertainty, she was welcomed by a federally funded resettlement agency, one that would become her lifeline in this foreign land. At 55, Balkhi, an accomplished engineer, was amidst a cohort of Afghans who had stood shoulder to shoulder with US military forces during their prolonged…

Conflict in Shangeed: A Tense Standoff The stillness of dawn shattered in an instant on Thursday as violent clashes erupted between North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo forces in Shangeed, the contested lands bridging Qorilugud and Buuhoodle. What sparked this newest chapter in a series of territorial skirmishes? Is there more to this than meets the eye? Reports from the ground paint a picture as fragmented as the region itself. While definitive casualty numbers elude confirmation, sources from both factions…

A cool evening breeze whispered through the Garsoor neighborhood in the heart of Galkacyo as chaos erupted under a murky sky. In a clash that echoed like a thunderstorm, two local militias squared off, the night breaking open to the sound of gunfire. It was a Saturday night that the residents of this district in the Mudug region’s bustling capital won't soon forget. The predictable hum of city life gave way to a cacophony of fear and uncertainty. Northeastern State and Galmudug, two regional forces not foreign to the…

Mogadishu (AX) — A balmy Wednesday evening in Halaalay quickly turned into a harrowing scene of battle, leaving at least six people dead by the time the dust settled. This tiny village, nestled near Halgan in Somalia's Hiiraan region, became the latest stage in the enduring drama of power struggles between local defense forces and the relentless Al-Shabaab militants. It seems Somalia's battle with the militant group shows no signs of ending, as accusations, skirmishes, and whispers of turmoil continue to echo across…

There's growing concern in Somali society about how online displays of bravado might teeter dangerously close to hate speech, stirring up long-standing clan rivalries. In Somalia, "The Big Tribal Game" isn't just a pastime—it's practically a cultural phenomenon. This so-called game draws in massive audiences without linking its participants to any form of clan violence. Everywhere you look, thousands of phones light up with this spectacle, not just in Somalia, but across the globe. The typical participants? Enthusiastic…

FILE PHOTO Dhusamareb (AX) — Tragedy struck east of Dhusamareeb, the heart of Galmudug, where a fierce skirmish over grazing land left 11 people dead and numerous others nursing wounds on a somber Sunday. Local folks tell of two feuding militia factions clashing, painting a harrowing scene that saw countless families hastily abandon their homes in search of refuge. Caught in this whirlwind of violence, those displaced now find themselves grappling with insecurity and fear, rattling an already fragile existence. While the…

The Mayor of Amsterdam has declared enhanced security protocols throughout the city following a night of unrest described by officials as anti-Semitic. However, there were also reports of provocative chants from Israeli soccer fans that night. In light of the turmoil, Israel dispatched commercial flights to the Netherlands to assist in bringing back Israeli soccer fans, with the initial flight arriving in Tel Aviv this afternoon. As a result of the clashes, local police reported five individuals were hospitalized, while 62…

Garowe (AX) — A kerfuffle erupted at the break of dawn today between the forces of Northeastern State and Maakhir State near the town of Badhan in the Sanaag region, adding heat to a confrontation that’s been simmering since Sunday. Both groups remain hunkered down just a stone's throw from the district, with no major casualties coming to light.The scuffle began when Northeastern State troops tried to bar politicians from Maakhir State, who’ve been gallivanting around the Sanaag region, from their entry into Badhan. This…

Beledweyne (AX) - On Friday, officials from the Hiiraan region of the Hirshabelle administration voiced strong disapproval of the violent altercation in Beledweyne. This clash, involving forces from both the Hiiraan State and Hirshabelle State administrations, tragically resulted in a civilian's death and further unsettled the already fragile stability.In their official response, the administration pledged to implement essential actions to uphold law and order, ensuring the safety of locals. "The leadership of the Hiiraan…

In the ongoing conflict, Israeli troops clashed with Hamas-affiliated militants in both northern and southern Gaza. Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli airstrikes across the region resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians overnight. According to medical personnel, these fatalities stemmed from distinct Israeli aerial bombardments targeting Deir Al-Balah, situated in central Gaza, as well as Khan Younis and Rafah in the southern part of the enclave. Hamas and the Islamic Jihad, both armed factions,…