Thursday June 4, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Heavy gunfire that erupted in Mogadishu on Thursday drew sharp concern from the United States and the United Kingdom, both of which urged Somalia’s political leaders to step back from confrontation and settle their disputes through dialogue. In a warning that underscored the stakes for the country’s fragile security, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu said the violence could have far-reaching consequences for Somalia’s stability. “The violence unfolding in Mogadishu is reckless,” the…

Wednesday June 3, 2026 Bosaso (AX) — Puntland State security forces have detained a foreign ISIS fighter in the Calmiskaad mountains of the Bari region, officials said Wednesday, in a development they say reflects mounting pressure on the militant group. Gen. Mahmoud Jama Faadhigo, spokesman for Operation Calmiskaad, said the man was arrested in the Af-cas area after reportedly breaking away from an ISIS base in Shakaala. Faadhigo said the fighter, identified as a Yemeni national, told security personnel that he had spent…

Israel’s campaign in Lebanon has pushed beyond a key geographic line, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israeli troops have crossed the Litani River and moved deeper into the country. During a visit to Division 36 on Israel’s northern frontier, Mr Netanyahu said Israeli forces were also active in Beirut and the Bekaa Valley as Israel widened its operations against Hezbollah across Lebanon. On 31 March, Mr Netanyahu said the zone under Israeli occupation in Lebanon would extend as far as the Litani River, roughly…

Saturday May 30, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Intense fighting erupted early Saturday on the outskirts of Baidoa, where federal government troops clashed with fighters aligned with former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, officials said. The confrontation took place near Baidoa, the interim capital of Southwest State. No independent casualty count has been verified, though social media videos appeared to show wounded soldiers. Bay regional police commander Sadiiq Duushisho told local media that the battle…

Friday May 22, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Fresh fighting erupted late Thursday on the outskirts of Baidoa, where Southwest State security forces clashed with militias loyal to former regional President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, officials said. The confrontation unfolded in the Idoow Dhagoole area, north of Baidoa, and left casualties, including people killed and wounded, according to reports from the scene. The precise toll was not immediately available. In a statement issued Friday, the Southwest Ministry of Security…

BAIDOA, Somalia — Gunfire broke out on the outskirts of Baidoa on Friday after fighters loyal to the ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen moved against positions held by Somali federal government troops, according to security sources and local residents. The violence flared near the southwestern city at a moment of already sharp political strain, deepening concerns over security in a region long shaped by disputes over South West State’s leadership. Residents said the confrontation started when…

Nimi PrincewillSaturday May 16, 2026 An armed Somali pirate stands on the shoreline as a Greek cargo ship lies anchored off Hobyo in northeastern Somalia, in this January 2010 image after the vessel was seized by pirates. Mohamad Dahir/AFP/Getty Images Somali pirates are once again cashing in on turmoil far beyond their waters. As war in Iran forces commercial shipping to take longer routes around Africa, vessels are drifting straight into the pirates’ traditional hunting grounds. The escalating conflict in the Middle East…

MANDERA, Kenya — Anger is mounting in Kenya’s northeastern Mandera County after a deadly ambush left at least six people dead and several others injured, prompting residents and local leaders to demand the removal of Jubaland forces they say are operating in the area. The calls for action followed Saturday’s attack on a passenger vehicle traveling between Mandera town and the Arabia area. Near Beer-Ayawon village, armed attackers opened fire on the civilians inside, turning the journey into a scene of bloodshed. Kenyan media…

Monday May 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire on Sunday said government forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district, alleging that one person was killed and several others were injured. Speaking to reporters, Khaire said residents had assembled in Dayniile to voice anger over forced evictions and displacement when security personnel fired on the crowd. He expressed sympathy to the family of the person he said died and wished those wounded a swift…

MOGADISHU – Security forces were stationed around the home of former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire on Saturday as tensions deepened in the capital ahead of an opposition-led protest scheduled for Friday in Mogadishu. According to sources, the presence of troops near Khaire’s residence, close to Mogadishu airport, was intended to block efforts to organize support for the demonstration. Opposition figures say the rally is meant to denounce forced evictions and the demolition of homes in the city. The political…