forces

Taoiseach Simon Harris recently engaged in crucial discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding Israel's assaults on UNIFIL positions situated in southern Lebanon. Both Italy and Spain maintain significant detachments of UNIFIL peacekeepers stationed in the tumultuous region. During their dialogue at the EU summit in Brussels, the Taoiseach clearly articulated his viewpoint, emphasizing that the safety of UNIFIL personnel is paramount. He insisted that Israel…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the baton of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali forces. It's a significant leap in the third phase of ATMIS's troop drawdown, highlighting Somalia’s budding prowess in managing its security landscape all by itself. Since 2015, this base, which sits snugly near the strategic port town of Kismayo, has been helmed by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) under ATMIS's wing. As an essential defensive anchor, it has…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a noteworthy pivot, Somalia's government has given the nod for Egyptian forces to step into the shoes of Ethiopian troops in the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following a significant security agreement inked in August. Villa Somalia has thrown its support behind Egypt to spearhead AUSSOM, prompting Egypt to send preliminary teams to aid the Somali National Army (SNA), focusing on strategic routes often disrupted by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants.…

In a bold move against Al-Shabaab, Somali government troops from the renowned 14th October Battalion, embarked on a significant assault at daybreak on Tuesday. They converged on 15 villages nestled between Shalaanbood and Janaale in Lower Shabelle, dismantling hideouts that harbored insurgents, according to military insiders. Lieutenant Colonel Nuur Farey, who commands the seasoned battalion, mentioned that their objective was straightforward: eradicate the lurking threats posed by Al-Shabaab and usher in a new era of…

Egyptian military advisors, instructors, and commandos are assisting Somali forces in battling Al Shabab militants.From left, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Photo: AFPEgypt is amplifying its military presence in Somalia ahead of Ethiopia's December 31 deadline to withdraw, concurrently training and aiding Somali forces against Al Qaeda-affiliated militants, sources revealed to The National on Tuesday.Both Egypt and Somalia, belonging to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Jubbaland Darwish forces stormed into action in Lower Jubba, launching a sweeping offensive that wrested control from the strong grip of Al-Shabab.With valor and precision, the second battalion of the Jubbaland Darwish army executed a calculated strike on Al-Shabab's positions. In a dazzling display of military strategy, they liberated pivotal villages like Cag Liba, Libaaley, and Dalnaje—strongholds held in a firm clutch by Al-Shabab for ages."The second brigade made significant gains,"…

Garowe (AX) — A kerfuffle erupted at the break of dawn today between the forces of Northeastern State and Maakhir State near the town of Badhan in the Sanaag region, adding heat to a confrontation that’s been simmering since Sunday. Both groups remain hunkered down just a stone's throw from the district, with no major casualties coming to light.The scuffle began when Northeastern State troops tried to bar politicians from Maakhir State, who’ve been gallivanting around the Sanaag region, from their entry into Badhan. This…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a mission in Ras Qabow, a secluded locale nestled within the Middle Shabelle region, the Somali National Army (SNA) successfully neutralized 25 fighters from the Al-Shabab faction this past Saturday.Colonel Mohamed Hassan Abukar Dhaladheere, leading the 251st unit of the 25th brigade, explained that the operation was initiated following the army's successful defense against an assault by Al-Shabab. A fierce clash erupted afterward, testing the mettle of both sides."The gallant soldiers from the National…

Hezbollah declared it was engaged in combat with Israeli troops attempting to penetrate Ramya village, located in southern Lebanon. This clash comes on the heels of a third United Nations peacekeeper being injured amid the escalating conflict involving the Iran-supported Lebanese faction. Israeli airstrikes have rattled the main base for peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, leading UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and various Western nations to vociferously denounce these aggressive actions. The UNIFIL peacekeeping force…

This past week, Israeli military operations targeted United Nations peacekeeping installations in southern Lebanon, igniting significant worries about the safety of international personnel in the region. According to the UN, while their troops would scale back operations, they weren’t intending to withdraw entirely. The decision of Irish soldiers to stay put at UN post 6-52, even as nearby Israeli forces established a firing position, has been characterized by many Lebanese as a display of “grit and resolve,” as noted by…