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With only two weeks remaining, the anticipation in East Africa is palpable. Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are poised to host the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, and excitement is building as the final preparations move into high gear. This year’s tournament is particularly noteworthy, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first time that three nations co-host a major CAF competition. Scheduled to unfold from August 2 to August 30, 2025, the 8th edition of CHAN is more than just a…

In a pivotal moment for the region, authorities from Ethiopia's Somali Regional State made a significant gesture on Wednesday, transferring military equipment to Hiiraan Governor Muse Salad Wehliye. This strategic move aims to strengthen ongoing operations against the al-Shabab militant group in central Somalia—a menace that has long troubled the area. The handover ceremony took place in the Feer district, strategically positioned along the border of Somalia and Ethiopia. It was a gathering that resonated with purpose,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unsettling turn of events, Al-Shabaab militants have seized control of the crossroads town of Moqokori. This event marks their first significant foothold in the Hiiraan district in three years, raising alarms among residents and security officials alike. The capture occurred overnight on Monday, leaving the community reeling and government forces struggling to regain the upper hand. According to reports, units from the Somali National Army, supported by the Ma’awisley militia, gathered on the…

California is gearing up for a legal showdown with the Trump administration regarding the deployment of U.S. troops in Los Angeles. This comes on the heels of widespread protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies, which have seen demonstrators take to the streets in major cities across the country. The military has confirmed that around 700 U.S. Marines will be stationed in Los Angeles either today or tomorrow. They are set to support up to 4,000 National Guard troops tasked with protecting federal…

Mogadishu (AX) — A pivotal gathering is on the horizon for key Somali opposition figures, who are set to convene in Mogadishu this Wednesday. This high-level conference aims to tackle pressing issues surrounding the nation's electoral process and overall security, especially in light of the escalating political tensions with the federal government. The opposition members, speaking with local media, have emphasized that this summit is not just another meeting; it represents a crucial opportunity to deliberate on the future…

Military Operations in Somalia: A New Offensive Against Al-Shabaab Mogadishu (AX) – The Somali National Army (SNA) is gearing up for an ambitious military offensive, partnering with the Ma’awisley clan militia, to reclaim the strategically significant district of Aden Yabaal in the Middle Shabelle region. Currently held by Al-Shabaab, a notorious terrorist organization connected to Al-Qaeda, this district has been a focal point for militant activity. As military sources have reported, there is a palpable increase in…

During the summer of 2023, Dimitris Marinelis dedicated his days to the frontline of Europe's most significant wildfire in northern Greece. In a landscape consumed by flames, he worked tirelessly to protect homes and establish anti-fire zones amid the devastation. Like many on his team, Mr. Marinelis has volunteered his time without compensation. He stands among thousands of brave individuals who balance their regular jobs with the demanding task of fighting Greece's relentless summer wildfires, often dropping everything…

Strengthening the Somali National Army: A New Chapter in Defense Collaboration Mogadishu (AX) — On a pivotal Wednesday, the Somali Ministry of Defense welcomed a fresh influx of military resources courtesy of the United States. This shipment is poised to fortify the Somali National Army (SNA), particularly bolstering the elite Danab commando unit as they engage in ongoing operations against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab. The handover ceremony, which illuminated…

UN Aircraft's Emergency Landing at Aden Adde International Airport An unexpected scene unfolded at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport this past Tuesday afternoon when a United Nations-registered aircraft was compelled to make an emergency landing. The reason? A malfunction in its front landing gear, an issue that, while nerve-wracking, was adeptly managed by quick-acting aviation professionals on the ground and in the air. The aircraft in question, a DHC-8-402Q Dash 8 operated by…

Compelling Tale of a UN Aircraft's Emergency Landing in Somalia Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu — In an unexpected turn of events over the brilliant blue skies of Somalia’s capital, an aircraft operated by the United Nations executed what could only be described as a textbook emergency landing. Picture this: the aircraft, an embodiment of human ingenuity, found itself in a rather tricky predicament when its landing gear…