defense

In a momentous announcement last Friday, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Faqi declared that the national armed forces have successfully liberated the entire Middle Shabelle region from the grips of the Al-Shabaab movement—a group critically linked to Al-Qaeda. This significant victory marks a pivotal turn in the ongoing battle against extremist insurgents in the region. In his public statement, Minister Faqi expressed deep admiration for the valor and tenacity displayed by the Somali armed forces and the local…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant show of commitment to national security, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a visit to the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu this past Thursday. This engagement brought him face-to-face with key defense and military leaders, providing a crucial platform to discuss the current security landscape and the ongoing endeavors in the protracted fight against Al-Shabaab. The aim of this visit goes beyond a mere inspection. As articulated by the Presidency, it serves as part of…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a move reflecting deepening concerns over the country’s security landscape, Somali President Hassan Sheikh recently visited the Defense Ministry. This visit comes on the heels of setbacks that the national army has endured on the battlefield, notably the loss of the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal to Al-Shabaab militants just last month. Addressing Growing Concerns As Al-Shabaab continues its advances throughout central and southern Somalia, the pressure mounts on government forces. They are…

U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced his selection for the design of the $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense shield. Moreover, he appointed a Space Force general to lead this ambitious program, which is intended to counter potential threats from China and Russia. The initiative, which President Trump initiated back in January, envisions the creation of a vast network of satellites—potentially numbering in the hundreds. These satellites will be tasked with detecting, tracking, and even intercepting incoming…

Strengthening Bonds: Uganda's Military Commitment to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) – On a Saturday filled with promise and potential, Lieutenant General Samuel Okiding, the Deputy Chief of the Uganda Defence Forces, stepped onto Somali soil for an official visit. This journey is not just a routine diplomatic mission; it is a vital endeavor aimed at fortifying military cooperation between Somalia and Uganda, two nations bound by shared concerns and aspirations. Upon his arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, Lt. Gen.…

Ugandan Deputy Defence Chief in Mogadishu: Navigating AUSSOM's Financial Hurdles MOGADISHU, May 17 – In a marked display of camaraderie and duty, Sam Okiding, the Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, touched down in Mogadishu last Saturday. His arrival, marked by an earnest reception by senior officials from both the Somali Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holds significance that goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesies. But why now? The timing of Okiding's visit is…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an exciting development that highlights the evolving landscape of international military collaboration, nearly 100 delegates from over 40 African nations, including esteemed officers from Somalia, are embarking on a remarkable 10-day military exchange program in China. This initiative represents a growing commitment by Beijing to deepen defense ties across the continent. From May 6 to May 15, participants will engage in a rich tapestry of activities that includes leadership workshops, visits to military…

Tragic news has emerged from Gaza, where at least 16 people, including three children, have lost their lives due to recent Israeli attacks, as reported by the territory's civil defense agency. In the southern region of Khan Younis, six individuals were killed in overnight airstrikes, according to civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal. The casualties included two young boys, aged five and two, who were tragically struck in their apartment in Al-Mawasi. Furthermore, a subsequent attack in Al-Mawasi led to the deaths of ten…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development in the realm of international relations, Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, made a compelling statement on Saturday concerning the federal government’s recent ban on Taiwan-issued passports. This decision, he explained, stemmed from an intended visit by senior Taiwanese officials to North Western State of Somalia—a move that Fiqi describes as a potential infringement upon Somalia's sovereignty. During an event held in the heart of Mogadishu, Fiqi, who recently…

In a recent statement, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed serious concerns about an imminent military incursion by India following a tragic militant attack on tourists in Kashmir last week. This has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. The attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, has sparked outrage across India, a predominantly Hindu nation, where there are increasing calls for action against Pakistan, a Muslim-majority neighbor. India has long accused Pakistan of…