forces

Mogadishu (AX) — A weary Al-Shabaab leader, turned off by endless infighting within the faction, surrendered to Somali authorities. This surrender aligns with an uptick in militants abandoning the group lately. Qaasim Ahmed Duhul, known in the group as Suulal Ceyn, cited the government's pardon and reintegration efforts as his motivation. For eight arduous years, Duhul was embedded in Al-Shabaab's ranks. With the help of clan elders in Masagawaa, he gave himself up to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Speaking to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somali forces launched a bold offensive in Lower Shabelle, tearing down several al-Shabab courts and dismantling their rogue checkpoints.The combined forces of military, police, and intelligence experts converged on Ali Mahdi Park, Balad Amin, and nearby zones, targeting illicit courts crafted by al-Shabab. Officials clarified that these makeshift judicial systems were tools for the militants to harass and fleece locals."We've obliterated their sham courts in these regions. They won't rise…

Mogadishu (AX) — Late Friday night, Somali security personnel successfully thwarted an al-Shabab onslaught at a security checkpoint in the Kahda district, according to the accounts of local residents. The incursion commenced with a pair of blasts, leading to almost an hour of ferocious combat. As of now, the number of casualties is still undetermined, with district authorities yet to disclose any specifics. In response to the assault, security forces initiated operations across multiple localities in Kahda early Saturday…

Garowe (AX) — Abdiqani Dayib Awnur Soolle, one of the marauding sea bandits implicated in the MV Abdalla hijacking, has been apprehended by Northeastern State Security Forces. Authorities nabbed Soolle in the Eyl region and its environs, where he was skulking, according to an official report. Police conveyed that meticulous intelligence gathered on Soolle paved the way for the successful capture. This marks the third apprehension related to the ship's hijacking since it fell into pirate hands in March. In June,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bid to bolster the nation's security and administration, Somalia's Cabinet tweaked the leadership rosters on Wednesday, designating Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin as the Deputy Minister overseeing Transport and Aviation, a pivotal department for the nation. Notably, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently elevated Firin from Brigadier General to Police Commissioner barely a day before his new appointment, along with a batch of other officers. This reshuffle signals Firin's impending transition…

An Israeli airstrike in the heart of Beirut resulted in the death of a prominent Hezbollah commander, exacerbating tensions and fears of a potential full-scale war in the Middle East as cross-border rocket activity surged. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed their operation targeted Ibrahim Qubaisi, who allegedly commanded Hezbollah’s missile and rocket division. Two separate security officials from Lebanon described him as a key figure directing operations for the Iran-supported group. This airstrike is yet another…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has initiated a thorough investigation into a helicopter accident in Somalia. Miraculously, four peacekeepers survived just after departing from Mogadishu. UPDF mouthpiece Felix Kulayigye announced the probe aims to uncover the crash's cause. The transport chopper went down mere minutes after takeoff, as it headed to Ballidogle, a training ground for Somalia’s elite troops. Kulayigye explained that the chopper was en route from Mogadishu to…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali National Army (SNA), along with Jubbaland State's Darawish troops, has ramped up its offensive against Al-Shabaab insurgents in Lower Jubba. This week's mission aims to uproot key militant strongholds around Bulo Haji. The effort zeroes in on the thick scrublands of Lagta Anole, where military leaders report that numerous Al-Shabaab hideouts have been obliterated. Jubbaland Darawish Commander Ismail Sahardid announced that Somali and Jubbaland forces have significantly pushed back the militants.…

On Wednesday, Somalia proclaimed the capture of a top boss from the terrorist faction al-Shabaab in the central Galgadud region.Ali Geelle, a high-ranking leader linked to al-Qaeda's offshoot al-Shabaab, was nabbed by the Somali National Army (SNA) in a military operation in Galgadud, according to a terse Defense Ministry communique.“The operation in Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, also saw the confiscation of a vehicle, a gun, and some ammo,” the ministry posted on X. They noted that Geelle had been involved in…

A deluge of unforgettable events unfurled as the Alau Dam swelled beyond its limits, unleashing torrents of water that wreaked havoc in the surrounding areas. The aftermath was catastrophic; entire communities were forced to abandon their homes. Close to Sanda Kyarimi Park, authorities issued urgent evacuation notices as dangerous wildlife—specifically reptiles—spilled out from a nearby zoo, seeking refuge from the inundation. Local residents reported sightings of various snakes and even crocodiles navigating the…