forces

North Western State of Somalia MP accuses security forces of shooting civilians as Borama unrest leaves at least 10 dead At least 10 people were reported killed over two days of unrest in Borama, the capital of North Western State of Somalia’s Awdal region, as a lawmaker accused national security forces of deliberately shooting unarmed civilians and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro ordered troops to return to their bases. MP Mohamed Abiib Yusuf says civilians were shot amid clashes in Borama President Irro…

Army raids deal major blow to al-Shabab in central Somalia GALGADUUD, Somalia — Somali government forces say they destroyed al-Shabab hideouts and secured a key roadway during an operation in central Somalia, marking a fresh setback for the extremist group as the army intensifies its campaign across Galmudug state. Troops from the Somali National Army’s 242nd Battalion led the raid along the corridor between Cali Yabaal and the Geeriile junction, targeting what officials described as a supply store and shelters used by the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali special forces and regional security units said they killed a senior al-Shabab commander during a planned nighttime operation in the Jamaame district of the Lower Jubba region, as government-aligned troops intensified a weeks-long push to retake areas long held by the militants. Jubbaland authorities said Friday that Danab commandos, operating alongside Jubbaland’s Dervish forces, targeted a group of al-Shabab fighters late Thursday and killed a commander identified as Farah Jibriil and seven…

US Special Forces and Puntland State counterterrorism units on Wednesday carried out a coordinated raid on an ISIS hideout in Somalia’s Balade Valley, unleashing hours of gunfire and precision drone strikes that killed a senior commander and several militants, according to security sources. The joint operation inserted dozens of US troops by MH-60 helicopters and used MQ-9 Reaper drones to hit targets across the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley, where intelligence indicated a fortified base was housing 10 to 15…

MOYALE, Kenya — Ethiopian military personnel crossed into Kenyan territory near Moyale on Saturday, advancing roughly 1 kilometer from the Sesii area and prompting a two-hour exchange of fire with Kenyan security units, according to an official occurrence book entry filed at Moyale Police Station (OB No. 32/22/11/2025). Kenyan police, Administration Police Service and Border Patrol Unit engaged the intruding forces; Kenya Defence Forces later joined, pushing the Ethiopians back to the borderline; No injuries were…

AFGOYE, Somalia — The Somali National Army rescued more than 30 civilians from Al-Shabaab detention sites during a targeted operation in Lower Shabelle, the Ministry of Defence said, marking one of the most significant hostage recoveries in recent months. The raid unfolded in Buula Madiina, a rural area in Afgoye district, where hostages were being held in makeshift camps, ministry officials said. Among those freed were at least two women. Somali forces killed three Al-Shabaab operatives guarding the compound and…

Russian spy ship Yantar is being tracked north of Scotland after what British officials described as a recent incident in which lasers were directed at Royal Air Force pilots, the UK government said Thursday, prompting heightened naval surveillance and changes to rules of engagement. A government spokesperson said Defence Forces "are aware of how a known Russian ship is currently tracking" and that Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has been briefed. For operational and security reasons McEntee declined to comment…

Human Rights Watch says Israel’s expulsions from West Bank refugee camps amount to war crimes Human Rights Watch released a 105-page report alleging that about 32,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps during Israeli "Operation Iron Wall" in January and February. The rights group says the expulsions, destruction of homes and denial of return meet the thresholds for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, titled "All My Dreams Have Been Erased," documents…

Somalia: Puntland State troops surround last ISIS stronghold Puntland State’s counter-terrorism push, known as Operation Hilaac, is moving into its final phase as forces close in on what they believe is the last major ISIS hideout in northeastern Somalia. Sources say militants have been pushed from several strategic areas and are now boxed into the Baallade Valley in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. Troops have encircled an area assessed as ISIS’s final main stronghold in Baallade Valley. Operation Hilaac has steadily…

Latest developments Somalia’s military said it has seized new ground from Al-Shabaab in coordinated operations across Lower Jubba and Bakool, underscoring a stepped-up campaign in the south and center of the country. In Jamaame, Lower Jubba, security forces reported a significant blow to the militants over the weekend. In Bakool, troops overran an Al-Shabaab camp in the Moora-Gaabeey area, about 37 kilometers from Xuddur. In Jamaame, the army says close to 60 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in an operation backed by…