militants

Persistent Echoes of Conflict: The Al-Shabab Insurgency For over twenty years, Somalia has been shackled by the relentless insurgency led by the militant group Al-Shabab, an affiliate of the notorious al-Qaeda. This group has been a menacing presence, leaving deep scars on the nation’s landscape and psyche. As the turmoil ripples through the heart of Somali society, one cannot help but wonder: Will peace ever find its place amidst the violence? In the picturesque town of Beledweyne, located approximately 335 kilometers…

Somalia: Security Forces Neutralize Al-Shabaab Fighters Behind Hotel Attack BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - With determination and precision, Somalia’s security forces responded to a brazen attack by Al-Shabaab militants on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne. The combative altercation ended with the neutralization of three attackers, yet the air remains charged with questions about the full extent of those orchestrating this audacious assault. In the midst of chaos,…

Complex Journeys in Northeastern State's Battle Against Extremism Garowe (AX) — In a frank and deeply revealing address, the Minister of Justice and Religious Affairs in Northeastern State, Mohamed Abdiwahaab, made some bold assertions about the national strategy—or lack thereof—in combating violent extremism. His candid reflections might catch one off-guard. Could it be that the very fabric of national unity needed to fortify against threats like Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (IS) is fraying at the seams? Abdiwahaab…

In the stirring landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, a fierce and deadly encounter unfolded on a quintessential Sunday. Northeastern State security forces found themselves in a heated gunfight with ISIS militants, a conflict that culminated in the demise of multiple insurgents. Among the fallen were two foreign fighters, as confirmed by military officials. The drama began to unravel in the remote village of Xabley, situated in the Ufayn district. Picture this: the tranquility of a seemingly unassuming village…

For over a decade, the narrative of Somalia has been marked by the shadows of an insurgency led by Al-Shabaab. This group, notorious for its relentless grip, has proven to be a challenging adversary to the Somali government, despite the latter's determined efforts to reclaim peace. Imagine the persistent dread of a storm that, though it calms momentarily, resurfaces with unexpected fury. This analogy captures the dynamic between Al-Shabaab and the forces combating them. The latest military endeavors…

Northeastern State's Bold Strike: Unraveling the ISIS Stronghold By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring In the rugged terrains of Bosaso, Somalia, a twist in the tale of the persistent battle against extremism unfolded last Monday. The dusty trails turned witness to a significant breakthrough when Northeastern State forces unearthed an underground bunker—widely believed to be the nerve center for ISIS's top leadership. This discovery has sent ripples across the counterterrorism…

Visiting Recently Liberated Territories: Hirshabelle President and Military Commanders’ Steadfast Commitment In a country frequently grappling with security challenges, the dedication of both leaders and military is often put to the test. This week, the spotlight is on the Hirshabelle President and high-ranking military commanders, who took a pivotal step by visiting the recently liberated regions in Middle Shabelle. Their visit wasn’t just ceremonial; it was emblematic of Somalia’s enduring quest for peace and…

Northeastern State Forces Oust ISIS from Crucial Positions Amid Hilaac Daybreak BOSASO, Somalia - In a world where resources often dictate outcomes, what happens when determination holds the reins instead? Against mounting odds, the Northeastern State forces persistently burrowed their way through the Cal-Miskaad mountains' rugged terrain, orchestrating one of the most audacious military operations Somalia has seen this year. As their resolve hardens, the campaign against ISIS fighters—hunters amidst…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskaad Mountains, where silence is broken only by whispers of the wind, a dramatic clash unfolded. Over the past week, Northeastern State's security forces, aided by UAE airstrikes, embarked on a meticulously coordinated counterterrorism operation. Their target? Insidious pockets of ISIS militants lurking in these highlands, hidden in plain sight for years. From a bird’s-eye view, the operation might seem like an intense chess game played over harsh landscapes. As…

FILE - Somali National Army soldiers stand vigilant against the notorious al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia on Dec. 10, 2012. Fast forward to Feb. 20, 2025, when Somali authorities reported a significant victory. The sobering reality of more than 100 al-Shabab militants losing their lives in the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle. In a decisive show of resilience, Somali National Army troops thwarted assaults on four strategically crucial military bases on Thursday. The…