defense

The Unseen Battle: Somalia’s Fight Against Extremism and Foreign Influence The sun sets over the dusty landscape of Lower Shabelle, casting long shadows over the villages where laughter and resilience often prevail. Yet, beneath this bustling surface lies a battle that's both internal and deeply intertwined with foreign influences. As the Somali Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, eloquently put it, “We clearly know that foreign governments are supporting the Al-Shabaab group to take control of the country.” This…

In a dramatic escalation of regional tensions, Yemen's Houthi movement announced via a televised statement late Wednesday that it had launched five drones aimed at three distinct Israeli military targets. The news, broadcast on al-Masirah TV, an outlet affiliated with the Houthis, featured insights from the group's military spokesperson, Yahya Sarea. He confidently declared that the drones had struck their intended military installations in Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and the Negev desert, describing the operation as "successful"…

**Djibouti (AX)** — In a significant diplomatic stride, the governments of Somalia and Djibouti have formalized their commitment to defense cooperation through a historic Status of Forces Agreement (SoFA). This pivotal agreement aims to streamline the legal and operational framework for deploying Djiboutian troops in Somalia, a move that holds the promise of bolstering regional stability. The agreement was ceremoniously signed in Djibouti by Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moallin Fiqi, alongside Djibouti’s Acting…

Istanbul (AX) — In an impressive display of international camaraderie, Türkiye and Somalia recently formalized their enduring partnership with a new cash assistance agreement signed during the renowned 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul. This pivotal moment underscores a growing commitment to shared defense objectives, showcasing how two nations can collaborate meaningfully for mutual benefits. The agreement, aptly named the Amendment Protocol to the Cash Assistance Implementation, was inked by…

Istanbul (AX) — In the vibrant setting of the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moallin Fiqi engaged in a pivotal bilateral meeting with his Djiboutian counterpart, Minister of Defense Hassan Omar Mohamed. This gathering, framed by the latest innovations in defense technology, underscored an urgent yet hopeful dialogue centered around the shared security interests of both nations. The conversations initiated by Minister Fiqi were not merely routine diplomatic exchanges;…

The civil defense agency in Gaza has reported that Israeli forces opened fire on groups of Palestinians as they sought humanitarian aid, resulting in a tragic loss of 93 lives and leaving many others wounded. As a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles, agency spokesman Mahmud Basal stated, "These deaths are a dark chapter in our quest for survival." Of the fatalities, 80 were recorded as truckloads of aid arrived in northern Gaza, while nine lost their lives near an aid point close to Rafah in the south, a region that…

Strengthening Regional Security: EASF Meeting in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — This past Saturday marked a significant milestone as the annual Council of Defence Ministers of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) convened in the vibrant city of Mogadishu. The event aims to enhance regional security frameworks and fortify military cooperation among member states in Eastern Africa. In a world where unexpected challenges can arise at any moment, this high-level gathering feels particularly crucial. Chaired by Somalia’s own…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Thursday, the vibrant city of Mogadishu played host to the 34th Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Policy Organs Meetings. This two-day gathering is significant, as it aims to tackle pressing strategic security issues and bolster military cooperation within the Eastern African region. As we stride into an era that increasingly calls for unity in the face of multifaceted challenges, the importance of such meetings cannot be overstated. At the helm of the proceedings was Brigadier General Madey Nurey…

U.S. Voids Support for Israeli Strikes Amid Syria Turmoil On Thursday, the United States publicly condemned Israel's recent military actions in Syria, signaling a clear stance against the escalating tensions in the region. The remarks came on the heels of striking accusations from Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who characterized Israel’s actions as an attempt to destabilize his nation and made a commitment to safeguard Syria's Druze minority, a prominent group in the region. The…

Strengthening Ties: A Meeting of Minds in Defense Mogadishu—A significant meeting took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in the heart of Somalia's capital. Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Moalim Fiqi welcomed the newly appointed British Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King. This gathering was not merely a formality; it symbolized a renewed commitment to forge stronger ties between Somalia and the United Kingdom, particularly in the realm of security and defense. The discussions revolved…