operations

BOSASO, Somalia – Just a couple of weeks after the airstrikes in the Cal-Miskaad mountains of Northeastern State, the US Africa Command has finally pulled back the veil, announcing the identity of the ISIS leader who met his demise in the February 1 strikes. This revelation certainly brings an end to the many conjectures floating around about who the intended target was. In a rather rare move, President Donald Trump chose to personally address the airstrike in Somalia. He mentioned that the US Africa Command was after an…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent move that draws attention to the complex geopolitics of the region, the Turkish Parliament has given its nod to an important presidential motion. This decision greenlights the continued deployment of Turkish naval forces in certain strategic waters: the Gulf of Aden, the waters off the Somali coast, the Arabian Sea, and nearby regions. Scheduled to remain in effect until February 10 next year, this extension underscores Türkiye’s unwavering resolve in tackling the maritime threats lurking in…

The intricacies of maritime operations in the Red Sea are taking a pivotal turn, reframing international collaborations like never before. Picture a vast ocean where towering commercial vessels navigate their journeys, shielded under the vigilant watch of an elite operation. Enter the scene: Operation Aspides, a guardian of these mighty ships, quietly ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa, a linchpin in these naval undertakings, stands on the…

In the picturesque yet turbulent city of Garowe, a swirling blend of tradition and modernity, a significant decree has been issued by Northeastern State's regional authorities. This directive, steeped in both strategy and caution, aims to sever all media communications with the notorious Islamic State (ISIS) faction. It's part of a meticulous military campaign focused on obliterating ISIS hideouts nestled in the rugged Al-Miskat mountains of the Bari region. But what does this mean for press freedom, and how should we…

Baidoa (AX) — On a bright Sunday, as the sun painted Baidoa with golden hues, a delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries made its entrance, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s electoral journey. They carried with them not just paperwork and plans, but a vision to breathe life into a cornerstone of democracy—a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Yusuf Abdulqadir Mohamed, a seasoned member of the commission with a passion for political revitalization, addressed the press with a determined…

In a shocking development that has gripped the nation, police are on the hunt for a man dubbed the "kingpin" of illegal mining operations, who mysteriously vanished from custody following a harrowing ordeal that saw the recovery of 78 bodies from a clandestine mine. The unfolding drama presents a grim portrait of an underground world where danger is a daily companion and human life is often worth less than a sack of minerals. Meet James Neo Tshoaeli, a Lesotho national better known by his nickname "Tiger." This is not the…

US President-elect Donald Trump, eyeing the clock, is pondering an extension for TikTok amid a looming ban deadline. In a surprising twilight twist, TikTok is back online in the United States. The wildly popular video-sharing app had briefly vanished like a magician's trick, thanks to a federal directive. Trump, with his characteristic flair, hinted at reversing the ban with a simple gesture of his presidential pen as soon as he crosses the White House threshold. On a fine Sunday morning, the partly cloudy news rolled out…

Emmalee Reed/CNN In a twist worthy of a Hollywood suspense thriller, TikTok momentarily vanished from cyberspace throughout the United States on Saturday night, setting off a digital shockwave as the clock ticked toward a fast-approaching ban deadline. Just what is a nation that thrives on byte-sized entertainment supposed to do? Instead of the usual dance moves and viral challenges, users encountered a disheartening message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.…

In the realm of Somali security, the African Union's newly minted initiative, AUSSOM, is stepping up to partner with the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in rolling out the Somalia Transition Plan (STP). The STP is an ambitious roadmap crafted by the Somali federal government alongside various partners. Its primary goal is to gradually hand over security duties to the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF). Although the plan was initially targeted for 2021, the deadline slipped, leading to the emergence of ATMIS to push the…