military

PARIS/LONDON — In a concerted diplomatic maneuver, France and the UK have expressed their refusal to join any potential U.S. military endeavors against Iran. This decision comes on the heels of Iran's responsive attacks on Israel dated April 13, 2024. Both countries urged Israel to show restraint and avoid responding with force on Iranian territories, sources acquainted with the affairs have indicated. Their appeal for calm follows a surge in tensions across the Middle East, ignited when Iran, along with its allies,…

Somali Leaders Hold Secretive Talks Over Ethiopian Troops MOGADISHU, Somalia — Amid swirling tensions around Ethiopian military presence, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in a fragile negotiation with Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the president of Somalia's Southwest State, insiders disclosed Tuesday. The high-stakes meeting, shrouded in secrecy, seeks to tackle the thorny issue of Ethiopian soldiers jostling around Somalia's sovereignty and regional tranquility. This happens against the backdrop of geopolitical plays involving…

Sudanese Military Rejects Accusations of Bombing UAE Diplomat's Home in Khartoum The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) vehemently dismissed allegations that they bombed the home of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) envoy in Khartoum. Instead, they pointed fingers at the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the destruction. On Monday, the UAE released a strongly-worded statement condemning the attack on their ambassador's residence by what they claimed were Sudanese military jets, branding the incident as 'barbaric and primitive.' The…

Jimmy Carter is rejoicing in his centenary, marking a remarkable milestone as the only president in U.S. history to reach the age of 100. The former peanut farmer will commemorate this special occasion in the cozy home that he and his late wife, Rosalynn, built in Plains, Georgia, during the vibrant 1960s. Returning to his roots, Mr. Carter brought the postal service back to this quaint town, which boasts a close-knit community of around 600 residents. He has stayed an enduring and beloved figure there ever since. According…

Somalia Challenges Ethiopia's Red Sea Ambitions MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has voiced strong opposition to Ethiopia's moves toward the Red Sea, accusing Ethiopia of aiming for military control under the guise of seeking port access.   This firm stance follows a controversial accord between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. The deal grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, recognizing North Western State of Somalia's sovereignty, which Somalia views as a direct threat to its…

Egypt's Military Aid to Somalia Steers Clear of Regional Rivalry: El-Sisi Cairo — President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi clarified that Egypt’s aid to Somalia is driven by a genuine desire to help restore stability to a nation plagued by decades of turmoil, not by regional animosities, particularly with Ethiopia. "Listen, our support for Somalia isn’t tied to Ethiopia whatsoever. We want to help them emerge from three decades of chaos," El-Sisi stated to esteemed guests at a police academy graduation ceremony on Sunday. The…

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…

In a significant move, President Joe Biden has unveiled over $8 billion in military aid aimed at assisting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. This announcement coincided with a visit from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, marking a pivotal moment in the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense efforts. The package features the debut shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb, known as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), which boasts an impressive range of up to 130 kilometers. This medium-range…

The North African state didn't detail their aid, but it's geared towards bolstering the Somali army, honoring Egypt's commitments under a military collaboration agreement from August. That deal surfaced after Ethiopia, a landlocked country, planned to officially acknowledge North Western State of Somalia's independence from Somalia, declared 30 years ago, in exchange for port access and a military base on the Gulf of Aden. Somalia, viewing North Western State of Somalia as its own, rejected the offer. Last month, Egypt…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Amidst escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding breaches of sovereignty, Addis Ababa has firmly opposed Egypt’s involvement in Somalia’s peacekeeping mission, sowing further discord. Somalia has thrown its support behind Egypt to lead the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to supplant the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) come January 2025, effectively excluding Ethiopia from the framework. Tarekegn Bululta, Ethiopia's State…