conducts

North Korea test-fired two “strategic” long-range cruise missiles into the sea, state media said, in a drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un that he framed as part of an “unlimited and sustained” expansion of the country’s nuclear forces. The launches took place over the Yellow Sea and mark the first reported test of long-range cruise missiles since early November, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Cruise missiles labeled “strategic” by Pyongyang are typically understood by analysts to be designed to carry…

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military launched large-scale air and ground strikes against dozens of Islamic State targets across central Syria on Friday, a retaliation U.S. officials said was tied to a deadly Dec. 13 attack on American personnel in the country. The operation, which U.S. Central Command said hit more than 70 targets, was supported by Jordanian fighter jets and drew on a mix of U.S. F-15 and A-10 aircraft, Apache helicopters and HIMARS rocket systems. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes were aimed at…

U.S. forces struck more than 70 Islamic State group targets across central Syria in what President Donald Trump called “very serious retaliation” for a Dec. 13 attack in Palmyra that killed three Americans, U.S. Central Command said. The return strikes hit multiple sites with fighter jets, attack helicopters and artillery, CENTCOM said, employing more than 100 precision munitions against known Islamic State infrastructure and weapons depots. U.S. officials said a lone gunman affiliated with the militant group carried out the…

MOGADISHU — U.S. Africa Command carried out airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region on Dec. 18, following clashes sparked by a militant assault on government and allied militia positions, the command said. The strikes occurred near Nur Dugle, approximately 215 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu. AFRICOM described the action as part of ongoing cooperation with Somali authorities to diminish the extremist group’s operational capacity. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of…

In a chilling display of justice, authorities in eastern Afghanistan have carried out the execution of a convicted murderer by gunfire in a public sports stadium. This marks the sixth public execution since the Taliban reclaimed power. The condemned man met his fate at the hands of a member of the victim's family, all witnessed by a crowd of thousands gathered in Gardez, Paktia province's capital, as reported by a journalist on the scene. The evening leading up to the execution, the governor’s office made a social media…

In a significant escalation of its conflict with Hezbollah militants, Israel has broadened its military targets across Lebanon, leading to the deaths of at least 21 individuals in a recent airstrike in the northern region. Health officials reported this casualty figure, while millions of Israelis took refuge, protecting themselves from retaliatory projectiles launched from the Lebanese side of the border. The focal point of Israel's military endeavors has primarily been the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, along with the…

On Saturday, the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population announced that a medical convoy had provided examinations to 1,674 Somali citizens and performed 436 surgeries across various specialities at De Martino General Hospital in Mogadishu. Landing in the Somali capital on September 20, the Egyptian team offered diverse medical services covering fields such as general surgery, digestive systems, oncology, orthopaedics, cardiology, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, anaesthesia, and critical care,…

China has confirmed the test-launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), marking its first such exercise in decades as it fell into the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, China has ramped up its nuclear capabilities and increased its defense expenditure. Back in October 2022, the Pentagon cautioned that China's development of its nuclear arsenal was outpacing United States expectations more swiftly than anticipated. As of May 2023, China reportedly possessed over 500 operational nuclear warheads.…

U.S. Special Operations Commander Visits Frontlines in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States continues to affirm its commitment to Somalia in the battle against Al-Shabaab. This extremist group has plagued the region for nearly twenty years, subjecting innocent civilians and military personnel to relentless attacks. For the past two decades, the U.S. Africa Command has diligently collaborated with the Somali National Army (SNA), facilitating operations that have successfully reclaimed numerous critical areas from…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US military carried out the first drone strike against Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, which now becomes the first-ever airstrike in the Horn of Africa country under the administration of President Joe Biden, who took up his post in January 2021. Defense ministry said Tuesday's airstrike was carried out against militants after they ambushed the Somali National Army commandos, Danab's special forces in Galkayo, a troubled town in Galmadug state in central Somalia. Pentagon spokeswoman Cindi…