forces

Recently, while seated in a sun-dappled room in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia spoke with a quiet intensity that comes from years spent grappling with the formidable al-Shabab insurgency. At 69, Mohamud stands at the helm during a turbulent period, his tenure marked by a relentless fight against one of the world's most dangerous terror groups. The question on everyone's mind: how can the United States, a distant though powerful ally, continue to play a crucial role in this struggle? Mohamud's…

Somali President on U.S. Commitment in Fight Against al-Shabab Why should the United States maintain its involvement in the complex struggle against al-Shabab? To answer this question requires an understanding of Somalia's geopolitical realities, economic imperatives, and, perhaps, a dose of human empathy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, a stalwart leader with unmistakable resolve, finds himself at the helm of a nation riddled with challenges. Al-Shabab, an insidious al-Qaeda affiliate, lurks…

The situation on the front lines in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region, has taken a significant turn according to military sources. Recent assessments suggest that North Korean soldiers, who had joined forces with the Russian military, have likely been withdrawn following substantial casualties. This development raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of such military alliances. Intelligence reports from Western, South Korean, and Ukrainian agencies indicated that North Korea had dispatched over…

Conflict in Shangeed: A Tense Standoff The stillness of dawn shattered in an instant on Thursday as violent clashes erupted between North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo forces in Shangeed, the contested lands bridging Qorilugud and Buuhoodle. What sparked this newest chapter in a series of territorial skirmishes? Is there more to this than meets the eye? Reports from the ground paint a picture as fragmented as the region itself. While definitive casualty numbers elude confirmation, sources from both factions…

Under the dappled shadows of Hiiraan's rugged terrain, the Somali army, on a recent Tuesday, carried out a decisive operation that led to the demise of 16 al-Shabab militants. This audacious move marks yet another stride in the relentless campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgents that have haunted the region for years. It’s a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes chess game, where each move carries the weight of potential calm or chaos. The state-run outlet, SONNA, brought these developments into the public eye,…

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…