military

In the parched expanses of the Mudug region, Somali government forces and local militias join hands in a seemingly perpetual struggle against Al-Shabaab militants. What drives these valiant efforts to reclaim peace in central Somalia? Their unified offensive endeavors to dismantle entrenched insurgent strongholds while restoring stability in an area besieged by conflict. Mogadishu (AX) – With a mix of strategic prowess and sheer determination, Somali government troops, assisted by local militia, executed a daring raid in…

Could justice really be tangible, a force acting in real-time rather than a theoretical construct? In the heart of Somalia's Bay region, this question found an answer in the rapid administration of justice on a recent gripping occasion. The gritty streets of Baidoa witnessed a somber yet decisive chapter as a military court enforced the law in a bold and unyielding manner. Over the course of two consecutive days, three men met the ultimate penalty for their heinous acts against innocent civilians—an…

Since the military coup in Niger in July 2023, former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have remained confined in a distressingly precarious situation. Their prolonged detention serves as a grim reminder of how swiftly political fortunes can shift and the consequent havoc it wreaks on lives. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent authority charged with scrutinizing cases of wrongful confinement, has labeled the incarceration of Bazoum and his spouse as arbitrary. Their conclusion…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a fervent appeal, the Northeastern State of Somalia of Somalia has reached out to international allies, urging them to lend critical logistical and technical assistance. Their goal? To fortify ongoing military operations against the entrenched ISIS insurgents within the rugged Bari region. Imagine the scene: General Abdirahman Mohamed Jama, commander of the Northeastern State Maritime Police Force (PMPF), standing stalwart yet weary, discusses the daunting task at hand. "We are devoting everything we…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant milestone for diplomatic collaboration and strategic alliances, Somalia and Azerbaijan have inked a groundbreaking defense cooperation agreement. This accord represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries. At the heart of this agreement are Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov. Together, they formalized this partnership in the vibrant city of Baku on Wednesday. Highlighted by…

U.S. Troops to Extend Somalia Stay Amidst ISIS and Al-Shabaab Threats MOGADISHU, Somalia - With an ever-present danger posed by the militants of IS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab, it seems the presence of the United States Africa Command in Somalia might continue longer than initially foreseen. These groups, notorious for their relentless influence, have brought tumult and discord to the Heart of Africa. During a recent discussion, Pete Hegseth,…

It's not every day that two nations, bound by geography and shared aspirations, amplify their bonds on the global stage. Yet, the recent signing of a joint communiqué between Uganda and the Federal Republic of Somalia marks such an occasion. This accord, anchored in defence cooperation, is a testament to the burgeoning ties between these East African neighbors.The formal signing unfolded with understated grandeur at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. It was here that Jacob…

FILE - A solitary figure, a security officer, traverses through Balidhidin village, nestled in the rugged terrain of Northeastern State’s Bari region, Somalia, on an unusually cool January 26, 2025. A mere fortnight later, on February 11, 2025, Somali officials somberly announced a catastrophic attack by the Islamic State on a Northeastern State military base that claimed nearly 100 lives. Imagine the chaos: Almost 100 individuals meeting an untimely demise, and around 60 others bearing injuries, as the notorious Islamic…

Garowe (AX) – The moon shone faintly over the rugged peaks of the Al-Miskaat Mountains as an unforeseen confrontation unfolded beneath the stubborn stars late Monday night. In a region often untouched by tourism's gentle touch, the jagged terrain of the Haraya area within the Toga-Jeceel became the stage for a dramatic clash. Here, in Northeastern State—a semi-autonomous state bearing the scars of history—security forces outmaneuvered a plot as sinister as it was audacious, orchestrated by ISIS militants who had perhaps…

BOSASO, Somalia - In a daring and complex operation, the Northeastern State Defense Forces have taken decisive action against ISIS, culminating in the death of a Tunisian fighter alongside two Somali insurgents. This event marks a pivotal stride in eradicating the terrorist presence in northern Somalia. Why focus on Northeastern State, you might wonder? This region has become a battleground for a formidable campaign against violent extremism, particularly the ISIS militants who have been sharpening their claws in Somali…