forces

For more than ten years, the most harmful weapons wielded by terrorists in Somalia have been improvised explosive devices (IEDs), impacting countless Soldiers and civilians alike. According to Action on Armed Violence, a UK-based organization that monitors civilian-targeted armed violence globally, over 14,000 individuals have been affected—injured or killed—by IEDs set by al-Shabaab since 2014. Astonishingly, 61% of those affected were civilians. In the past year, IEDs have claimed or injured 1,500 lives in Somalia,…

Nairobi (AX) — On Tuesday, Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia warmly endorsed the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to take over from the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) come January 2025. President Mohamud was in Kenya from October 21st to 22nd, continuing a regional tour of nations contributing troops to ATMIS. Their discussions hovered over challenges and opportunities in stabilizing Somalia and the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia, a police vehicle zipped through the bustling streets, heading toward a restaurant shaken by a recent explosion. On this particular date, October 17, 2024, the establishment is frequently visited by law enforcement personnel. On Saturday, the Ministry of Information in Somalia declared a significant military initiative aimed at quelling the al-Shabab militants entrenched in central Somalia's Galmudug region. The campaign is reportedly making headway in diminishing the group's operational…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Saturday, Hanad Ahmed Muse, a distinguished officer in the elite Haramcad police unit, tragically lost his life at his residence in Moalim Noor, Dharkenley district, Mogadishu. Witnesses from the neighborhood claim that government soldiers were responsible for the shooting, yet the reason remains shrouded in mystery. As of now, no official word has emerged from the nation's security agencies about this unsettling event. Recently, Mogadishu has experienced a drop in violent episodes linked to government…

Mogadishu (AX) — Hamas has revealed the downfall of Yahya Sinwar, captain of its political bureau, during a skirmish with Israeli forces in Gaza. Leading the group since 2017, Sinwar fell amidst bouts in the southern Gaza arena, grappling against Israeli soldiers. Hamas expressed a staunch vow that Sinwar's demise wouldn't deter their pursuit of Palestinian emancipation, pressing on with their defiance against Israeli military maneuvers. Confirming his death, Hamas proclaimed Yahya Sinwar was slain while fiercely engaged in…

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…