military

Somalia, Saudi Arabia sign defense pact as Mogadishu aligns with Egypt to reshape Horn of Africa power balance RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Somalia has entered a strategic military alignment with Saudi Arabia and Egypt after signing a defense cooperation pact with Riyadh, a move that positions Mogadishu within a powerful Red Sea security bloc and challenges the United Arab Emirates’ expanding influence in the Horn of Africa. The agreement was signed in the Saudi capital by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and Saudi…

KABALE, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has awarded his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Kabalega Star Medal, Uganda’s second-highest military decoration, citing his leadership in operations in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Museveni conferred the honor Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations at Kabale National Teachers’ College in southwestern Uganda, held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice.” The Kabalega Star,…

Somalia’s president vows to block any Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia, calls recognition ‘illegal’ MOGADISHU — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia and vowed to prevent any Israeli military footprint in the breakaway region, warning the move threatens regional stability and international norms. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Mohamud said Somalia “will never allow” an Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia…

Turkey boosts air and ground support as Somalia escalates war on al-Shabab MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey has expanded its military footprint in Somalia, reinforcing air and ground units to support the country’s campaign against al-Shabab as attacks intensify in and around the capital, Turkish security officials said Thursday. The buildup includes new deployments to Türkiye’s Air Component Command in Somalia, with the added assets dedicated to counterterrorism missions. The moves come alongside ongoing work by the…

U.S. Deploys Troops to Nigeria for Counter-Terrorism Efforts The U.S. Command Africa (AFRICOM) commander, General Dagvin Anderson, has announced the deployment of a small team of U.S. soldiers to Nigeria. This move comes as part of a mutual agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria aimed at strengthening counter-terrorism efforts in the region. This development signifies the first official acknowledgment of U.S. troops on the ground in Nigeria since U.S. airstrikes last December. The decision follows President Donald Trump's…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish F-16 fighter jets conducted test flights over Mogadishu on Wednesday morning, signaling an expanded military footprint by Ankara in Somalia, according to people familiar with the deployment and local media reports. At least three F-16s arrived in Somalia last Wednesday as part of Turkey’s broadened security support to the Horn of Africa nation, the sources said. The flights were described as tests intended to assess the aircrafts’ readiness and capabilities for future operations while reinforcing…

Xi’s military purge narrows China’s command — and raises the risk of miscalculation China’s sweeping purge of senior generals has shrunk the country’s top command to a bare minimum, concentrating power around Xi Jinping just as Western leaders intensify outreach to Beijing. The shake-up, which removed Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and Joint Staff chief Gen. Liu Zhenli for “violations of discipline and law,” has alarmed analysts who see both short-term caution and longer-term volatility in the world’s…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday warned that the United States will take “decisive military action” against Somali pirate groups, signaling a tougher posture that could allow U.S. forces to target suspected pirates even if they have not attacked American vessels. Trump said U.S. forces would strike any individual or boat that moves toward a ship, regardless of ownership or flag. “Anyone who tries to move toward a vessel will meet the ultimate punishment,” he said, according to remarks reported by U.S. media. The…

Military Government Dissolves Political Parties, Citing Unity and Stability The military-led government has taken the drastic step of dissolving all political parties by decree, effectively terminating their ability to operate, even internally. This bold move, announced by Interior Minister Emile Zerbo, is portrayed as a necessary action aimed at addressing the proliferation of political factions that, according to officials, have led to abuses, aggravated societal divisions, and ultimately weakened the nation's social…

Trump urges Iran to ‘come to the table’ as U.S. carrier groups move into region; Tehran vows to ‘respond like never before’ U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear program, warning that any next U.S. response could be far harsher, as a carrier strike group enters the Middle East amid heightened tensions. “Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘Come to the Table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS — one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly…