operations

As the dawn of 2024 approached, a significant legislative move unfolded in The Gambia. The National Assembly took a historic step, passing a bill aimed at establishing a specialized tribunal dedicated to prosecuting human rights violations attributed to the tumultuous reign of former president Yahya Jammeh. This decision, though monumental in its moral implications, was further galvanized in December when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced its commitment to assist The Gambia in creating this…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur has made a compelling call to the public: "Steer clear of Al-Shabaab interactions as military operations ramp up in the Middle Shabelle region." His address on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the militant group's lingering influence, especially in areas like El Bacad, where some individuals reportedly continue to maintain ties with Al-Shabaab. The Defense Minister highlighted the precision of recent airstrikes, designed to target senior Al-Shabaab leaders…

Nigeria Customs Service Observes Evolving Smuggling Tactics In a revelation that might not catch everyone by surprise but certainly demands our attention, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently exposed how smugglers have ingeniously set up small, scattered storage hubs within border villages. These are not just ordinary hideouts. They act as critical transit locations where traffickers cunningly divide their shipments into smaller, more manageable…

AFRICOM's Tactical Engagement in Somalia: A 2025 Overview Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring An Unexpected Revelation in the Numbers In a year where the winds of change are blowing across the African continent, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has unveiled a crucial piece of information. As of March 5, 2025, AFRICOM has affirmed its execution of ten airstrikes within…

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…