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TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground prison in the southeastern town of Kufra, exposing what authorities described as brutal and degrading detention conditions along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Officials said the detainees — including women and children from sub-Saharan Africa, primarily Somalia and Eritrea — were found in multiple cells nearly three meters below ground. Some had been held for up to two years. The suspected trafficker…

Libya rescues more than 200 migrants from underground prison in Kufra as abuse allegations mount TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground detention site in the southeastern town of Kufra, where authorities say victims were held in brutal, degrading conditions for months and, in some cases, years. Security officials said the migrants were discovered in an improvised prison nearly three meters (about 10 feet) below ground, allegedly run by a Libyan trafficker.…

Senegal conquered Africa again on Sunday night, defeating host Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat to win the Africa Cup of Nations and ignite raucous celebrations from the Atlantic shore to the Sahel. Fireworks crackled above Dakar, horns blared and flags waved as the Teranga Lions claimed their second continental crown in four years behind a dramatic winner from Pape Gueye and a performance that withstood a chaotic finish. What to know: Score: Senegal 1, Morocco 0 (after extra time) Match-winner: Pape Gueye for Senegal…

Somali forces repel al-Shabab attack in Middle Shabelle after pre-dawn blast, ministry says JOWHAR, Somalia — Somali government forces repelled an al-Shabab attack on military positions in the Jabad Godane area of Middle Shabelle early Sunday after a pre-dawn explosion triggered hours of heavy fighting, the Defense Ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the Somali National Army (SNA) “successfully foiled the assault” and now has full control of the area. Officials said the attack began with an explosion believed to…

Carrick’s United stun City 2-0 as new era lifts Old Trafford; Arsenal held, Liverpool booed in Premier League shake-up MANCHESTER, England — Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026 — Manchester United’s latest reboot is off to a flying start. In Michael Carrick’s first game as coach, United beat Manchester City 2-0 in the 198th Manchester derby, lifting the gloom at Old Trafford and reshaping the Premier League picture on a febrile Saturday. “It’s a great start,” Carrick said after four whirlwind days in the job. “It was a very special day…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons as federal alignment deepens in Las Anod Police commander warns of “dangerous” consequences amid rift over assets, loyalty and command GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who have defected to the federal government to immediately hand back weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The directive, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire,…

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities on Saturday released the names and photographs of nearly 50 foreign Islamic State fighters captured during military operations in the Calmiskaat mountains of the Bari region, days after declaring the yearlong campaign against the group largely complete. Security officials said the detainees hail from at least seven countries, underscoring the transnational reach of Islamic State’s Somalia branch. The largest contingents presented were from Ethiopia and Morocco. Ethiopia: 18…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons, warns of ‘dangerous’ consequences amid Las Anod realignment GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who defected to Somalia’s federal government and its newly recognized Northeastern Regional State to immediately surrender weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The demand, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, accuses the officers of…

Saturday January 17, 2026 European troops land in Greenland as transatlantic rift deepens over Trump’s acquisition push NUUK, Greenland — Soldiers from France, Germany and other European nations have begun arriving in Greenland to bolster the Arctic island’s security, a rapid show of force that underscores widening disagreement between the United States and its European allies over President Donald Trump’s stated desire to acquire the semiautonomous Danish territory. France has sent 15 soldiers and Germany 13, with Norway…

Envoys from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan attend Las Anod inauguration, signaling support for Somalia’s unity LAS ANOD, Somalia — Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan arrived in Las Anod on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, the newly elected president of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State, in a show of diplomatic backing for the region’s evolving political order. The envoys’ visit underscores international support for Somalia’s federal institutions and…