Islamic

Somalia: Puntland State troops surround last ISIS stronghold Puntland State’s counter-terrorism push, known as Operation Hilaac, is moving into its final phase as forces close in on what they believe is the last major ISIS hideout in northeastern Somalia. Sources say militants have been pushed from several strategic areas and are now boxed into the Baallade Valley in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. Troops have encircled an area assessed as ISIS’s final main stronghold in Baallade Valley. Operation Hilaac has steadily…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

Emerging from its origins in the 1960s, Islamic finance has grabbed attention worldwide with its steadfast ethical guidelines. This unconventional financial system has resonated widely, even in the United States, bolstered by supportive conditions and political endorsement. Known for its financial wizardry and economic might, America has witnessed Islamic finance gain traction, drawing interest from both Muslim and non-Muslim circles alike. "Sukuk," often dubbed as Islamic bonds, stand out for their potential utility by…

In Somalia's Bay Territory, Hunger Sparks New Disputes A Somali woman traverses the parched and barren lands of Bay, where ongoing strife alongside climatic shifts have crippled farming activities, leaving communities with little choice but to lean on humanitarian relief. (Credit: Islamic Relief/SIDA) Mogadishu (AX) — According to a detailed examination by Islamic Relief Somalia, the scarcity of food is exacerbating unrest in the Bay region. Various calamities, including prolonged dry spells, deluges, alongside relentless…

(Bloomberg) -- The Islamic State faction in Somalia, linked to the notorious worldwide terrorist network, has ramped up its operations in the Horn of Africa this year, according to a top military figure from US Africa Command. "I've got my eye on the northern stretch of Somalia where ISIS is swelling in size," expressed Africom Chief Michael Langley during a chat on Voice of America, expressing concern over the increased influx of foreign fighters into the region. Abdulkadir Mumin helms the IS-Somalia division. Born from a…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

US Raises Alarm Over Growing Islamic State in Northern Somalia PENTAGON — The Islamic State's presence in Somalia has surged almost twofold over the past year, according to the chief of U.S. Africa Command. “Northern Somalia's situation is increasingly worrisome with ISIS numbers on the rise,” Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander, shared in an exclusive with VOA. While Langley refrained from specifying the exact number of fighters, he noted the group's size had approximately "doubled" in the last…

Other than intimidating businesses in Bosasso, a bustling seaport in Northeastern State, IS-Somalia peddles modest amounts of gold unearthed in the north-eastern Bari realm, its lair. According to US estimates, it's amassed a tidy $6 million since 2022, “these figures shared by ICG shed light on their funding," says ICG.With roughly 500 fighters camped out in the caves of Northeastern State's Cal Miskaat mountains, IS-Somalia’s influence is quite constrained. They've launched fewer than 12 raids since 2023, way down from the…

According to our information, Almahmoud ag Baye, alias Ikarey, was neutralized on Tuesday, June 15, in a town southwest of Ménaka, in northeastern Mali. The French and Nigerian armies carried out several counter-terrorism operations last week in this Malian region bordering Niger. An offensive that also resulted in the arrest of four other EIGS executives.…

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility on Monday, March 29, for almost a week of attacks on Palma, a port city in northern Mozambique on the border with Tanzania. The capture of Palma further aggravates the humanitarian situation in the region, as thousands of people, locals and international workers, have been forced to flee. According to the few testimonies that emerge, Palma is now a ghost town. Mozambican security forces have launched an offensive to regain control of the town. taken by the men of the…