military

Military Diplomacy in Somalia: A Visit with Intent MOGADISHU, Somalia — Modern diplomacy sometimes unfolds far from the gilded halls of embassies, finding its stage amidst the sands of complex regions. On a wholly unpredictable Sunday, Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, descended upon Mogadishu with an air of quiet determination. But what goal lies beneath this curtain of spontaneity? Accompanying Birhanu was Redwan…

Is it possible for a single conversation to change the course of a region's security dynamics? Earlier this week in Nairobi, an important dialogue took place that might very well influence the future stability of East Africa. In a meeting characterized by commitment and collaboration, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, engaged with Somali military leaders to deliberate on the persistent security challenges facing Mogadishu. The Somali delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh, the…

Mogadishu (AX) – A remarkable step has been taken yet again by the Somali National Army’s elite unit known as the Danab Special Forces. They recently participated in an internationally significant event, the Justified Accord military exercise in Kenya, marking their second involvement in this formidable gathering. Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Salah Abdi, the Commanding Officer of the Somali Special Forces, played a prominent role as he attended the closing ceremony held in Kenya. His presence was not only symbolic but…

Imagine a sprawling complex nestled in a strategically vital location—a hub of constant activity. These military bases, scattered across foreign lands, serve multifaceted purposes. Their roles range from counterterrorism painstakingly orchestrated from afar to safeguarding maritime borders. But have you ever wondered about the hidden layers beneath their ostensibly benign existence? Strategic military bases often appear as essential instruments of peace and stability. They’re pivotal for intelligence operations and for…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an unyielding battle against extremism, the Somali National Army (SNA) has bravely confronted imminent threats, quelling a spree of violence unleashed by Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region. Who were the faces behind this repelled assault? Five names stand stark on the list of those brought down—gridders of terror no more. Over the past 48 hours, the stage was set in the dust-swept arena of El-Ali Ahmed. The SNA, with staunch resolve, dismantled a lattice of malevolence that sought to unsettle local…

In an unexpected turn of events, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Friday evening the removal of key military figures, including Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, and Gen. James Slife, the Air Force's vice chief of staff. This decisive move also impacted senior military legal advisors from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Turmoil at the Pentagon What do these removals signal for the Department of Defense? The Pentagon finds itself at the heart of tumultuous changes, not least due to impending…

Dhusamareb (AX) – In the moonlit tranquillity of a Thursday night, the Somali army, in concert with vigilant local clan militias, set the stage for a deliberate military operation in Dabagalo—a haven nestled within the Harardhere district of the Mudug region. Their mission? To dismantle an Al-Shabaab stronghold that, until then, had been an insidious blight on the community's path. Six militants met their fate, taken down as if they were extensions of the very shadows they sought to exploit. What makes a group of people…

In a meeting that underscores evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, Maj. Gen. Nim’an Yusuf Osman, North Western State of Somalia’s military chieftain, engaged in strategic dialogues with Lt. Gen. Eisa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces. Their discussions centered on military cooperation and fostering robust security partnerships. But what does this mean for the region? Is it the harbinger of newfound alliances or simply another chapter in the storied interaction between…

The military junta, under the leadership of Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has once again faltered, neglecting another deadline for restoring democracy in Guinea. This delay in the transition to civilian governance was outlined in an agreement forged in 2022 with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), concluding a long, tumultuous year of discussions. The long-awaited process intended to initiate preparations for the 2025 elections had been scheduled to commence on New Year's Day. Yet, instead of rallying the…

Northeastern State Recruits Veteran Strategists as ISIS Conflict Escalates BOSASO, Somalia - Imagine standing at the foothills of the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountains in the Bari region. The air is thick with anticipation and the echoes of past battles. With rising tensions gripping this dynamic landscape, the leadership of the semi-autonomous Northeastern State state has made a strategic move. They are recalling retired military tacticians and strategists, seeking the wisdom of experience in a terrain that shapes…