forces

Iran’s most serious street challenge in years is testing the durability of its theocratic state, as two weeks of protests have broadened from economic anger to overt calls for sweeping political change. Yet despite the scale and fury, analysts say Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s system still shows few of the internal fractures that typically precede regime collapse. Rights groups say a heavy crackdown has left hundreds dead, even as the 86-year-old Khamenei retains the backing of Iran’s core power centers and…

Somali military says airstrike kills 17 al-Shabab militants in Middle Shabelle MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali National Army, working with international partners, carried out an overnight airstrike late Monday in the Middle Shabelle region that killed 17 militants and destroyed weapons and vehicles used in attacks on civilians, the military said Tuesday. The strike hit the Jabad Godone area, which the army described as a planning site for militant operations, particularly bombings targeting civilians and public…

Somali, U.S. forces destroy al-Shabab explosives factory in Middle Juba, kill 18 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali National Army forces, working in coordination with U.S. troops, carried out a planned overnight operation in Middle Juba that destroyed what officials described as al-Shabab’s largest explosives production facility and killed 18 militants, the Defense Ministry said Saturday. The strike took place late Friday in the Saakow district and targeted a factory used by the al-Qaida-linked group to manufacture and prepare…

Russia warns Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be “legitimate combat targets,” escalating tensions after the U.K. and France announced plans to deploy a multinational force in the event of a cease-fire. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said “militaristic declarations” by a coalition of pro-Ukraine governments were becoming increasingly dangerous. It said any Western “military units, military facilities, depots and other infrastructure on Ukrainian territory will be classified as foreign intervention,…

Somalia graduates new Gorgor Special Forces at TURKSOM as push against al-Shabab builds MOGADISHU — Somalia on Thursday graduated new units of its elite Gorgor Special Forces after completing training at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy, a milestone officials framed as pivotal to intensifying military operations against al-Shabab in the south. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, speaking at the ceremony, praised Somali National Army (SNA) leadership for sustained efforts to professionalize the force and strengthen…

U.S. forces have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic for alleged sanctions violations tied to Venezuelan crude, capping a multiweek pursuit that unfolded under the eye of nearby Russian naval assets but ended without confrontation, U.S. officials said. U.S. European Command, which oversees American forces in the region, said the operation was conducted jointly with the Department of Homeland Security. The tanker evaded an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuela and was intercepted as it moved north in…

Iran forces fire tear gas at Tehran bazaar as protests over soaring prices intensify TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian security forces fired tear gas to disperse demonstrators in and around Tehran’s central bazaar on Tuesday, as protests over the cost of living entered their second week and a rights group said more than two dozen people had been killed in a nationwide crackdown. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group said at least 27 protesters, including five minors, have been killed by gunfire or other violence by security forces…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali National Army Danab special forces killed 15 al-Shabab militants and captured eight others in a targeted raid late Saturday in Jilib district, a long-held stronghold of the extremist group in southern Somalia, the Defense Ministry said. The overnight operation zeroed in on militant positions inside the strategic town, part of a continuing campaign to degrade al-Shabab’s leadership, logistics and capacity to launch attacks. Casualties: 15 militants killed, eight captured, according to the Defense…

MOGADISHU — Somali National Army Danab special forces, working with international partners, killed at least 20 al-Shabab fighters — including senior leaders — in a planned overnight operation in Somalia’s Bay region, the federal government said Saturday. The raid struck late Friday in the Buula Fuleey area, where the militants were assembling, according to a government statement. Officials said the target was a key gathering point for the group’s commanders in the region and described the strike as a significant blow to…

Somali forces repel al-Shabab assault in Middle Shabelle, kill senior commander MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali government forces, backed by organized local community fighters, repelled an al-Shabab attack on the Wargaadhi area of Middle Shabelle on Friday, killing a senior militant commander and forcing the remaining fighters to flee, the Defense Ministry said. The Somali National Army said the assault was thwarted in a coordinated defensive operation that returned and maintained full control of the area, which officials…