combat

Ethiopia’s Somali Region to Bolster Fight Against Al-Shabaab in Central Somalia BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - It’s a tumultuous time in the Hiiraan region of Somalia, with Al-Shabaab insurgency posing significant challenges. Former Governor Ali Jeyte Osman, now a presidential envoy for Mawisley militias, believes that enlisting support from the Somali regional forces in Ethiopia could pivot the tide in this escalating conflict. Imagine standing firm on battle-worn soil, where the air is thick with tension. Before his removal as…

Somalia's Political Landscape: The Emergence of the Xaqsoor Party Mogadishu (AX) — As Somalia inches closer to its first direct national elections since the tumultuous year of 1969, the political stage is witnessing a transformation. A new reformist political party, the Xaqsoor Party, spearheaded by former Minister of Planning Abdirahman Aynte, aims to challenge the status quo of elite-driven governance and systemic injustices. This week, the party made its debut against a backdrop of rising tensions between federal…

Somalia's New Biometric Border Security System: A Step Forward in National and Global Safety In a notable stride towards enhancing national security and combating human trafficking, Somalia has introduced an advanced biometric border security system. This initiative, supported by the United States, is a cornerstone in the country’s commitment to curbing illegal migration and bolstering both national and global security frameworks. The launch was preceded by an intensive four-day training program held in the capital,…

Northeastern State Forces Target ISIS in Al-Miskad Mountains Bosaso, Somalia, June 30, 2025 – In the pre-dawn hours of Monday, the silence of the Al-Miskad mountains was broken. The Northeastern State Defense Forces, determined and well-prepared, embarked on a strategic operation aimed at ousting ISIS-affiliated militants from their remote hideouts. The mountainous landscape of Al-Miskad has long been a refuge for those seeking to evade the law. "The forces are conducting a clearance operation today against…

New Initiative Unites Forces to Combat Maternal and Child Malnutrition in Drought-Affected Regions In an inspiring show of collaboration, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently joined forces with Abdirashid Duale, the CEO of Dahabshiil Group, and Moazzam Malik, the CEO of Save the Children UK, to unveil a groundbreaking partnership aimed at addressing maternal and child health services in parts of Kenya and Somalia impacted by severe drought. The urgency of this initiative is underscored by the alarming levels of…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert stakeholder meeting in Nairobi to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020. This event marks a pivotal moment in IGAD's commitment to combatting food insecurity, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and sets the stage for a new strategic approach towards regional agri-food systems investment. This validation is more than a procedural step; it is the foundation for the forthcoming…

In a significant development for the security landscape in Somalia, recent military actions have unfolded in the underbrush of El-Dhere—a location bordering the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. This area, which has long been associated with Al-Shabaab activity, has once again become a focal point for both the Somali National Army (SNA) and various allied local forces. It’s heartening to witness coordinated efforts in regions long plagued by insecurity. The orchestrated military operations over the past few…

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Somalia is set to receive T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey. This development stems from a defense agreement signed earlier this year, which has garnered attention from policymakers and analysts alike. How will these helicopters play into Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab? The implications of this deal could be profound, as it represents not just a procurement of equipment but a step towards bolstering Somalia’s…

The Evolution of Somali Defense through Turkish Cooperation In a significant step towards enhancing its military capabilities, Somalia has recently received helicopters from Turkey as part of an evolving defense cooperation strategy between the two nations. The essence of this collaboration goes beyond mere transactions; it signifies a mutual commitment to stability and security in a tumultuous region. This multi-dimensional package includes three T129 Atak combat helicopters for the Somali Air Force and two utility…

Beledweyne (AX) – In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, senior leaders from both the Somali government and the regional councils convened in Tardo town, located in the Hiiraan region. This meeting, held on Tuesday, was essential for fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities, especially given the complexities of the evolving security landscape. Leading this high-level delegation was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of the National…