militia

FILE - Former Somali National Army ground forces commander Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi speaks during a media briefing in Mogadishu. Beledweyne (AX) — This week, a significant turn of events unfolded in central Hiiraan as Al-Shabab fighters seized the strategically vital town of Moqokori. This loss, as articulated by a former commander of the Somali National Army, is both a tactical setback and a profound psychological blow to the Hawadle clan militia, who have championed community resistance. General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a…

Somalia: Militia Leader Challenges Government's Claims in Al-Shabaab Operations HIIRAAN, Somalia – The leader of the Macawiisley militia, Ali Jayte Osman, is raising serious questions about recent announcements from the federal government concerning military action against Al-Shabaab in Somalia's Hiiraan region. Are the narratives being told by the authorities fully aligned with what's happening on the ground? Osman, who once served as the…

The announcement from the Russian-backed Africa Corps regarding their continued presence in Mali has stirred a mix of emotions and questions. As Wagner, the notorious mercenary group, starts withdrawing its forces after three years on the ground, one can't help but wonder: What does this shift mean for Mali and its ongoing struggle against Islamist militants? Wagner's involvement in Mali began amidst a significant political upheaval. Following coups in 2020 and 2021, the military junta in…

Galkayo Prison Under Siege: A Tumultuous Morning Galkayo (AX) — In the early hours of Thursday, the quiet hum of Galkayo was shattered by an armed assault that targeted the central prison. This brazen attack appears to have been aimed at liberating high-risk inmates, yet it devolved into a fierce firefight with Northeastern State security forces. As the sun began to rise, so did a chaos that reminded many of a scene from a gripping thriller, tinged with real-life consequences. Witnesses reported a symphony of…

Mistaken Drone Strike Tragically Impacts Anti-Al-Shabaab Militia in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a poignant turn of events, a drone strike in the heart of Somalia has inadvertently struck a pro-government militia. This unfortunate incident resulted in the deaths of at least 12 fighters, as confirmed by officials and local residents on Sunday. The strike took place near the town of Moqokori in the Hiran region. Here, Somali government forces had been working hand in hand with the Ma’awisley militia. Their…

Somali Armed Forces: A Story of Resilience and Resolve It was a day like no other in Beledweyne, Somalia. On March 12, 2025, the restless city was shaken by the explosive chaos of a car bomb detonated just outside a bustling hotel. In a scene reminiscent of past turmoil, Somali armed forces found themselves thrust into yet another fiery encounter. An hours-long militant attack surged across the central Somali city, and though the precise number of casualties remained a mystery, the impact was chilling. (AP) In times of…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Jowhar (AX) — A Call to Arms and Unity: Dabageed's Charge Against Al-Shabaab Amid the conflict-torn landscape of Somalia, a figure emerges with a clarion call for action. Hirshabelle State Vice President, Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabageed, recently galvanized forces at a gathering in Halfooley, a site nestled between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, urging the Ma’awisley militia and the broader community to intensify their resolve against Al-Shabaab. This plea resonates…

Sudan-Kenya Relations in Turmoil: A Critical Examination In an unfolding diplomatic kerfuffle, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern rebuke to the Kenyan government over its controversial support for a parallel administration. This administration is anticipated to be declared by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia faction entrenched in Sudan's complex political tapestry. The ministry didn't mince words, characterizing Kenya's actions as "hostile and irresponsible," and suggesting that Sudan would…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a move fueled by a desire for peace and community unity, a distinguished delegation from North Western State of Somalia, fronted by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, made its significant arrival in Erigavo on Monday. Their mission? To foster harmony and integrate local clan militias into the national fold. This effort is not just a show of political theater; it includes a cadre of seasoned military officers and respected government officials. Their strategy involves engaging in meaningful conversations…

Mogadishu (AX) – What does it mean to transform a grassroots movement into an integral arm of national defense? This intriguing process unfolds in Somalia as Macawisley militia forces are woven into the fabric of the Somali National Army (SNA). The state’s beacon of defense, Omar Ali Abdi, has cast light on this transitional phase, revealing that volunteer fighters have already embarked on their journey of integration. In a conversation with Somali National Television on a sun-drenched Thursday, State Minister Abdi shared,…