hidden

Amid Alleged Arms Smuggling: A Touch of Tension in Bosaso BOSASO, Somalia — In the sparse desert air of northeastern Somalia, where the horizon stretches endlessly, an international drama is unfolding with intrigue and suspense. This is not the typical windswept day in Bosaso, the jewel of Northeastern State, as it becomes the focal point of a diplomatic standoff involving Somali, Turkish, and local officials. The Vital Ship Under the blazing sun of the Ras Caseyr region, the MV Sea World, a Comoros-flagged cargo ship,…

Unraveling the Mountain Strongholds: Northeastern State’s Battle Against ISIS In the rugged heart of northeastern Somalia, the air is thick with anticipation as Northeastern State security forces carry out a series of proactive measures against ISIS fighters. Recently, two foreign militants were apprehended in the daring mountainous terrain of Kalabayr. This marks a significant step in a larger, relentless pursuit of peace and security in the region, a place that has become synonymous with both beauty and danger. On a…

As the sun dips below the horizon in various African cities, a vibrant transformation occurs. Rooftop bars flicker to life, music pulsates through the streets, and people convene in cafés and intimate lounges. Here, nighttime isn’t merely a respite from the day; it's a celebration, a communal experience that intertwines not just entertainment but lifestyle. This dynamism hasn’t gone unnoticed globally. In Time Out’s recently unveiled list of the 20 best cities for nightlife worldwide, four cities in Africa…

In recent months, satellite images captured by Planet Labs, a prominent U.S. imaging company, have presented an intriguing and somewhat disconcerting snapshot of the landscape surrounding Russia's nuclear facilities. Taken during May and June, these images have drawn the attention of leading analysts who specialize in the complex dynamics of Russia's nuclear forces. What they reveal is nothing short of alarming: new constructions, extensive roadworks, and modifications suggest that certain sites are experiencing rapid…

Recent satellite imagery captured by Maxar Technologies, released by Business Insider, reveals striking visuals of substantial craters and disruptions surrounding the Fordow underground complex, located south of Tehran. This data, collected on a seemingly unremarkable Sunday, tells a different tale—a story of explosive military actions and deep geopolitical implications. In these compelling images, a layer of dust blankets the terrain, remnants of the recent airstrikes that have shaken this vital location.…

Revisiting the Narrative: The Somali Village at the Bradford Great Exhibition The year was 1904, a time when the landscape of Bradford transformed into a vibrant festival hub, drawing in millions eager to partake in what could be considered one of the largest public celebrations of the era. Yet, amid the jubilant fairgrounds and the displays of industrial prowess, the exhibition included an extraordinary feature that would leave an indelible mark on history—a living, breathing Somali village. For six months, roughly 100…

The Human Cost of Climate Change: A Call to Action Amid the chaos of a flooded neighborhood in Wadajir district of Mogadishu, Somalia, a family navigates the turbulent waters that have engulfed their home. This heartbreaking scene symbolizes a much larger crisis—a crisis that has resulted in severe consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations. Recent findings from The Independent reveal that extreme weather, driven by the climate crisis, has cost impoverished nations an alarming $156 billion (£116…

In a remarkable turn of events in Naivasha, Kenya, two Belgian teenagers, David Lornoy and Seppe Lodewijckx, found themselves at the center of an unusual court case that underscores the gravity of wildlife trafficking. Charged with the illegal possession and trafficking of garden ant queens, their pre-sentencing report was presented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts. This case, however, reflects a larger, burgeoning crisis in biodiversity conservation. Earlier this month, Kenyan police conducted a…

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Alicia: My husband and I have explored a wide array of destinations, from the vibrant landscapes of Central and South America to the majestic terrains of parts of Africa, Europe, and the enchanting realms of Southeast and East Asia. Yet, if you were to ask us about our most cherished destination, it would undoubtedly be Albania—a hidden gem nestled in the Balkans that has captivated our hearts. Albania is nothing short of breathtaking. It maintains an…

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Throughout my travels, I've had the unique privilege of visiting 89 countries and calling various cities home. It might sound clichéd, but it is true: I have yet to encounter a country I didn’t enjoy. However, some places resonate with me more deeply; perhaps you've experienced the same wonder while exploring the globe, wondering what makes a place truly special? What if it isn't just the sightseeing, but the stories we weave as we connect with each destination?…