forces

MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia, a country that has endured a tempestuous past fraught with instability, now finds itself at a crossroads. Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi recently revealed that Somalia is being squeezed like an overripe fruit, compelled to consider halting the arrival of Egyptian forces meant to aid in the relentless battle against the elusive Al-Shabaab militants. The narrative unfolds with Egypt, ever eager to lend a helping hand to its 'brotherly nation,’ ready to send troops to Somalia's aid.…

Beledweyne (AX) –  Against a backdrop of dust and determination, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, hand in hand with local clan militias, valiantly reclaimed the Beera Yabaal area on Monday after a fierce tango with Al-Shabaab militants that lasted for hours. This reclaimed territory sits snug between Buula Burte and Halgan districts, standpoints lately rumored to be Al-Shabaab's cozy rendezvous spots. Cheers echo for these triumphs, yet linger questions like shadows – what's next? Nestled in the heart of Hiiraan, Beera…

Beledweyne (AX) — Picture this: a determined army, a patchwork of local militias, the clattering heartbeat of helicopters overhead, and a call to arms led by impassioned generals front and center. This is the scene in the Hiiraan region as the Somali Federal Government embarks on what they’ve boldly trademarked as their "most ambitious" strike on the militant group Al-Shabaab. Gearing up with a veritable smorgasbord of resources, they’re aiming to uproot these long-standing adversaries from their fortified nests. It’s not…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a bold move that's been turning heads across North Western State of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has shaken things up at the very top of the military and police hierarchy. The new appointees represent not just fresh faces but a pivotal shift towards youthful energy in national leadership, stirring a fascinating blend of hope and curiosity among the populace. Imagine being the youngest officer to ever grace the pinnacle of military leadership in your country—meet Lieutenant General…

WASHINGTON — It was a grim scene over two relentless days of tumult in Somalia’s Northeastern State territory where recent skirmishes claimed the lives of over 20 individuals and left a further ten nursing battle scars. The security forces clashed with Islamic State insurgents in a fierce showdown, as shared by officials on Tuesday. Speaking to VOA’s Somali Service, the steely Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, who orchestrates Northeastern State's security responses, painted a stark picture of the skirmish. He…

BOSASO, Somalia - A New Dawn as Key ISIS Figure Surrenders to Northeastern State Forces It's not every day you hear about militants throwing in the towel, but that's precisely what happened when a senior ISIS leader handed himself over to the Northeastern State Defence Forces this Tuesday. Talk about turning the tables! Senior officials, bursting with pride, lauded the relentless pursuit encompassing the rugged Bari region. For nearly a month, Northeastern State's gallant…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious display of bravery and vigilance, the Somali National Army (SNA) joined hands with the local residents to foil an intricate ploy designed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. What began as a routine patrol escalated into a nail-biting showdown — the drama unfolded dramatically near Beledweyne on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, where the hawk-eyed Somali forces seized a vehicle brimming with a cache of 13 sleek AK-47 rifles. We're talking about heavy artillery, folks. According to the…

A cool evening breeze whispered through the Garsoor neighborhood in the heart of Galkacyo as chaos erupted under a murky sky. In a clash that echoed like a thunderstorm, two local militias squared off, the night breaking open to the sound of gunfire. It was a Saturday night that the residents of this district in the Mudug region’s bustling capital won't soon forget. The predictable hum of city life gave way to a cacophony of fear and uncertainty. Northeastern State and Galmudug, two regional forces not foreign to the…

On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the streets of Mogadishu buzzed with an unsual energy as Somali security forces scattered themselves across the city, staking their claim on Mogadishu's bustling corners. Their mission? Silencing the city’s signature soundtrack—auto-rickshaw speakers. These speakers, which once belted out catchy tunes and lively broadcasts, now find themselves tangled up in controversy. Just like that quiet guy at a party who suddenly breaks into a dance—unexpectedly! Police…

Mogadishu (AX) — A balmy Wednesday evening in Halaalay quickly turned into a harrowing scene of battle, leaving at least six people dead by the time the dust settled. This tiny village, nestled near Halgan in Somalia's Hiiraan region, became the latest stage in the enduring drama of power struggles between local defense forces and the relentless Al-Shabaab militants. It seems Somalia's battle with the militant group shows no signs of ending, as accusations, skirmishes, and whispers of turmoil continue to echo across…