Covert

The UK has recently imposed sanctions on 135 oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet, aiming to disrupt the financial channels that aid Moscow in funding its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the British foreign ministry states, this extensive crackdown is part of a broader effort to target a fleet “responsible for illicitly transporting $24 billion (€21bn) worth of cargo since the beginning of 2024.” Security analysts highlight that this aging fleet of vessels is often exploited by Russia to bypass international…

Exploring Allegations of Secret Deals between Northeastern State and Somali Government AXADLE, Somalia – In a bold address that echoes both concern and bewilderment, Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Mahmud Caydiid Dirir, has publicly accused the Somali federal government of entering into clandestine negotiations with the militant outfit Al-Shabaab. This accusation emerged amid growing unease over the government's effectiveness in safeguarding its citizens from insurgent threats.…

Sweden has unveiled new regulations aimed at enhancing inspections of foreign vessels in the Baltic Sea starting July 1. This move is part of an ongoing effort to clamp down on Russia’s "shadow fleet"—a network of tankers attempting to sidestep sanctions on their oil trade. Since the imposition of Western-led sanctions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country has turned to a multitude of vessels operating under vague ownership structures and questionable insurance policies. As Swedish Prime…

On Wednesday, the state media of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported a significant breakthrough in law enforcement. Authorities successfully intercepted a covert operation aiming to illicitly transport ammunition to Sudan's military. This incident reflects the intricate dynamics gripping Sudan, a nation beset by conflict and turmoil. According to the Emirates' WAM news agency, security forces unearthed a staggering cache of approximately five million rounds of ammunition concealed within a private aircraft…

Bosaso (AX) – In an unfolding tension between regional and federal governance, the Northeastern State administration has cast allegations toward Somalia’s Federal Government. The crux of the matter? Accusations suggest the covert recruitment of young men from Northeastern State’s territory, conscripting them into the national military without any formal, transparent process. Engaging with this complex issue, Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Caydiid Dirir, has voiced significant concerns. The events, as…

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have taken a decisive step to impose targeted sanctions on what’s often referred to as Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers. This fleet has enabled Moscow to continue exporting significant volumes of crude oil and petroleum products, effectively sidestepping the sanctions imposed by the EU, G7, and various international bodies. A growing chorus of concern has emerged regarding these aging, uninsured tankers, with fears that they could trigger ecological disasters, particularly…

Venâncio Mondlane, an independent candidate vying for the presidency in Mozambique, has issued a powerful call for a nationwide strike to protest widespread electoral malpractice. According to a civil society group known as Mais Integridade, the fraudulent activities were so flagrant that they unfolded right under the noses of various observers. "It’s hard to believe what we've witnessed," one member of the group noted, reflecting the disillusionment felt by many. Tragically, the political climate has grown increasingly…

Mogadishu— Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed immediate negotiations with Ethiopia over their maritime squabble, blaming Ethiopia's steadfastness over its controversial deal with North Western State of Somalia. The heart of the conflict lies in an agreement struck in January 2024, where North Western State of Somalia granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease over 20 kilometers of coastline. This pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia with coveted sea access for commercial and naval use. In return, Ethiopia was…