region

American Drone Takes a Nosedive in Somali Turf MOGADISHU, Somalia - Earlier this week, a U.S. military drone crashed in southern Somalia, as confirmed by the U.S. Africa Command. This disclosure ended swirling rumors about the machine’s ownership, pivotal in battling the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Initial chatter in the area sparked curiosity, with speculation floating around a possible Turkish drone crash in the Al-Shabaab-occupied town of Farsoley, in Lower Shabelle. This town sits about 130 km southwest of Somalia's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious offensive, Somalia's National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA) unleashed a blistering assault against al-Shabaab, taking down at least 19 of their operatives in the Yaaqle area within Middle Shabelle. They made this announcement on Friday, painting a vivid picture of a strategic victory in their ongoing anti-terrorism campaign. This calculated operation zeroed in on a concealed lair, harboring al-Shabaab fighters plotting under the radar. NISA claims they successfully neutralized key…

The political climate in Ethiopia's Amhara state has raised eyebrows in the United States, sparking significant concerns about the escalating conflict in the region—concerns expressed by none other than America's chief diplomat late on Monday. The Fano, a militia group part of the Amhara ethnic group, which holds the title of Ethiopia's second-largest ethnicity, is a curious player in this drama. Around April 2023, driven by the government's attempt to disarm regional forces, the Fano picked up their arms, embracing a role…

Sheik Mohammed Mekin Haji The situation in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's leadership seems to be spiraling into chaos. Recent incidents in Ethiopia's Oromia region have painted a grim picture. Sheik Mohammed Mekin Haji, an Imam from a mosque in North Shoa's Dera District, has been tragically killed. He was abducted by a militant group along with 12 others from the mosque in Adea Melkie Kebele, within the Dera district. The hostages were reportedly close associates of the Imam. Opposition group, Enat Party,…

A delegation featuring Spain's king and the prime minister faced a barrage of protests during their visit to the Valencia region, which has been devastated by catastrophic floods. Eyewitnesses from AFP reported that some in the crowd yelled accusations like "assassins," while others resorted to hurling mud at the officials. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia made their way to Paiporta, a town particularly hard-hit, accompanied by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other dignitaries. The atmosphere was tense, with demonstrators…

In Mogadishu (AX), a minimum of six individuals met their demise, and a host of others sustained injuries due to a flare-up of inter-clan skirmishes within Luuq district, nestled in the Gedo region, as shared by folks on the ground.On Wednesday, rival clan factions, armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons, clashed fiercely on the eastern fringes of Luuq. These feuds have flared sporadically in recent months, rekindling age-old disputes.An attempt at reconciliation held earlier this month in Kismayo hit a wall, plunging…

A Glimpse of the National Dialogue Commission Gathering in Ethiopia's Somali Region (Photo: public domain) On Sunday, the National Dialogue Commission embarked on a pivotal gathering in Ethiopia's Somali region, as detailed by BBC Amharic. A myriad of issues came under the spotlight during this session—everything from the structural composition of the government and possible constitutional revisions to the symbolism of the country's flag. Language officialdom and the interpretation of Ethiopia’s rich history were also up…

President Museveni spent time with his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In response to an invitation from Uganda's President Museveni, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wrapped up a succinct visit to Uganda. The two leaders conversed about ways to enhance their countries' relationship, with an eye on bolstering regional security and boosting economic synergy. A key topic was Somalia's recent acceptance into the East African Community (EAC). While in Uganda, President Museveni expressed his…

The civil defense agency in Gaza recently reported a devastating airstrike carried out by Israel in a residential neighborhood, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 73 Palestinian lives in Beit Lahia, located in the northern part of the territory. Israel, however, contended that its military action was aimed at a "Hamas terror target." Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for the civil defense agency, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP), “Our teams have retrieved the bodies of 73 martyrs and many others injured due to the…

As tensions escalate in Lebanon, the Irish peacekeepers find themselves ensnared between two opposing factions. While clashes erupt on the ground, an intense battle for narrative and public sentiment unfolds online, compounded by widespread anxieties regarding the reliability of information circulating in the digital realm. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has raised alarms about the proliferation of false narratives, emphasizing the tangible repercussions such misinformation can impose on peacekeeping…