defense

FILE - Somali National Army soldiers stand vigilant against the notorious al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia on Dec. 10, 2012. Fast forward to Feb. 20, 2025, when Somali authorities reported a significant victory. The sobering reality of more than 100 al-Shabab militants losing their lives in the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle. In a decisive show of resilience, Somali National Army troops thwarted assaults on four strategically crucial military bases on Thursday. The…

In 2002, the European Union instituted sanctions against Zimbabwe’s defense sector, a move triggered by instances of electoral malpractice and human rights violations. The EU's embargo specifically targets arms shipments rumored to support internal repression. This decision was solidified following a European Council meeting held on February 18, signaling a persistent commitment to uphold human rights and democratic values. The European Union’s approach to these restrictive measures has been gradual, aimed at fostering…

In a strategic move that signals an intent to enhance governance, President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin as the new Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). This decision comes at a time when effective leadership in these sectors is more necessary than ever. Jibrin’s considerable experience in both military and civil capacities may provide the fresh perspective needed to navigate the complexities of these vital services. Jibrin steps…

In a significant display of unity, European Union leaders convened yesterday in Brussels with a renewed commitment to enhancing defense expenditures. This decision stems from the pressing challenges posed by Russia's aggressive posturing and the evident need to fill critical voids in military capabilities. Yet, the backdrop of this meeting was far from tranquil. The air was thick with tension following U.S. President Donald Trump's provocative remarks about a potential trade war against the EU, purportedly as a response to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the sunlit halls of the Balidoogle military base, where the air crackled with the energy of anticipation, Somalia's Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, took the podium. His voice resonated with a mixture of gravitas and hopefulness as he addressed a group of newly trained Danab Commandos. His words were a testament to the intricate dance of struggle and cooperation in the ongoing battle against extremism in Somalia. "What do these mountains hide?" one might wonder. Not just rocks and shadows, but…

Somalia: High-Ranking ISIS Commander Surrenders to Northeastern State Defense Forces By Ali Musa | Axadle Times International–Monitoring AXADLE, Somalia — It was a moment of profound significance when a pivotal figure within the Islamic State’s hierarchy in Somalia—a man known as Abdirahman Shirwac but more infamously called “Laahoor”—surrendered to the Northeastern State Defense Forces. The backdrop? The rugged Al-Miskaad mountains set against an intense…

In a showdown that felt reminiscent of political dramas played out on the silver screen, Pete Hegseth just eked out a victory in his quest to become the next Secretary of Defense. For President Donald Trump, this wasn't just another appointment; it was a significant triumph over a wave of opposition from Democrats and even a few skeptical Republicans regarding his polarizing nominee. The drama unfolded in the Senate, where votes were cast like confetti on New Year’s Eve, culminating in a 50-50 tie. Vice President JD Vance,…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In a significant assembly on Thursday, Egypt's Minister of Defense and Military Production Abdel Mageed Saqr met with Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his entourage during their expedition to Egypt. This encounter was captured by the Egyptian Armed Forces' press team. Saqr took the stage to deliberate on the regional and global dynamics that impact security within Africa. These weighty discussions with his Somali counterpart highlighted the intertwined destinies of both nations' defense strategies. The…

In an engaging rendezvous in Ankara, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur convened to amplify military and security cooperation between their two nations. Their conversation revolved around supercharging their collective endeavors in defense and counterterrorism, directly tackling the regional security hurdles, notably Somalia’s ongoing tussle with Al-Shabaab. A lot of time was also spent tossing ideas for extending ties in trade, energy, and humanitarian assistance.…