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Mogadishu (AX) – On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kicked off the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu, aiming squarely at tackling key political and security concerns. Over the course of two days, this meeting pulls together heavyweights from four regional states - Jubaland, Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug. The mayor of Mogadishu, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and his deputy are also in attendance. Per the federal government's insights, the agenda is crammed with…

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…

Mark Rutte, the incoming Secretary General of NATO, expressed confidence in his ability to collaborate with whichever candidate emerges victorious in the forthcoming U.S. presidential election. He stated that he isn't particularly concerned about how the results might affect the alliance's cohesion. Rutte, a steadfast advocate for Ukraine, pointed out his previous work with former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, who has expressed doubts regarding financial support for Ukraine. "I’m not anxious about the…

Mogadishu (AX) — A weary Al-Shabaab leader, turned off by endless infighting within the faction, surrendered to Somali authorities. This surrender aligns with an uptick in militants abandoning the group lately. Qaasim Ahmed Duhul, known in the group as Suulal Ceyn, cited the government's pardon and reintegration efforts as his motivation. For eight arduous years, Duhul was embedded in Al-Shabaab's ranks. With the help of clan elders in Masagawaa, he gave himself up to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Speaking to…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a stern warning to enterprising traders trying to dodge the newly imposed sales tax by fiddling with their merchant numbers. During his speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud put his foot down, stressing the gravity of such antics. "Dodging taxes is tantamount to fraud," President Mohamud declared emphatically. "Skirting taxes equates to theft and crime, and there will be consequences. It's unacceptable to alter merchant numbers to sidestep…

The Israeli Defense Forces have reported the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, allegedly following a targeted attack in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital. "Hassan Nasrallah has been pronounced deceased," announced military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani via X platform. Additionally, Captain David Avraham, another military spokesman, confirmed to AFP that the Hezbollah chief was "neutralized" after the airstrikes on Beirut that occurred a day prior. So far, Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has remained silent…

BEIRUT (AP) — For three decades, Hassan Nasrallah has steered the helm of Hezbollah, transforming it into one of the Middle East's most formidable militant forces. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes hammered six buildings in Beirut's southern burb of Harek Hreik, the fiercest attack on the Lebanese capital in nearly 12 months of ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed the strike, which left numerous casualties, targeted Hezbollah’s stronghold in Beirut. While three major Israeli broadcasters…

FILE - Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni, addresses attendees at the annual Peace Conference in Garowe. The event, organized by the Northeastern State Development Research Center (PDRC), saw Deni underline his administration's preparedness for open dialogue with the Somali Federal Government. Mogadishu (AX) — President Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiating open conversations with the Somali Federal Government, stressing the need for a transparent…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a bid to bolster governance, democracy, and federal affairs, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed two senior advisors. The official announcement came on Thursday. Former Northeastern State security minister Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan has been named Senior Adviser on Federal Affairs. His new role will involve strengthening Somalia's federal system and fostering collaboration among its regional administrations. Ahmed Jama Mohamed Cillal has been designated Senior Adviser on Democracy and…

An Israeli airstrike in the heart of Beirut resulted in the death of a prominent Hezbollah commander, exacerbating tensions and fears of a potential full-scale war in the Middle East as cross-border rocket activity surged. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed their operation targeted Ibrahim Qubaisi, who allegedly commanded Hezbollah’s missile and rocket division. Two separate security officials from Lebanon described him as a key figure directing operations for the Iran-supported group. This airstrike is yet another…