region

Dhusamareb (AX) – Under the blazing Somali sun, NISA agents sprang into action on a mission worthy of a blockbuster thriller. In Bahdo district, within the heart of Galgadud region, two vehicles were intercepted, stirring up more intrigue than a pirate treasure map. These vehicles, reportedly full to the brim with critical provisions, were allegedly headed straight to the notorious Al-Shabaab—a group known far and wide for giving even seasoned security forces a run for their money. The buzz in the neighborhood was palpable,…

Each year, a spiritual journey beckons millions, calling on the faithful like a siren with promises of divine grace and fulfillment. The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, isn’t merely a travel undertaking; for Muslims, it stands as a sacred duty among the five pillars of Islam. This year, the journey comes with an unexpected twist that’s left pockets lighter and hearts heavier in Somalia's Somali Regional State. "Having to foot the bill in foreign currency really doesn't help anyone sleep soundly," chuckled Mohamed…

If you ever find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Beledweyne, Hiiraan, you might just catch a whisper about a vital movement afoot - a concerted effort to face the relentless threat posed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. At the heart of this operation is none other than the Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, currently steeping in the bustling milieu of Buula Burte. Sanbaloolshe hasn't merely been skimming the surface in Buula…

Garowe (AX) – In a dramatic turn of events, the Northeastern State regional administration has unleashed a helicopter to bolster its gallant forces battling the resilient Islamic State movement in the labyrinthine landscape of the Bari region. A bird of steel, if you will, entering the fray to lend a crucial hand—or rotor, in this case. The chopper, more than just a whirlybird, is slated to carry military provisions and swiftly transport injured soldiers from the frontlines. You could say it’s prepared to swoop in like a…

Garowe (AX) – Imagine waking up on a seemingly ordinary Monday morning only to be met with tragedy. In the fickle dawn in Northeastern State’s Bari region, a grim shadow was cast as an explosion claimed the lives of at least six gallant security personnel. Picture this: a silent land suddenly torn by a cacophony of chaos as a military vehicle, just doing its rounds, becomes the ill-fated target of a covert attack. It’s said the tremors of this violence resonated far and wide, shaking not just the ground beneath feet but the…

Final Push Against ISIS in Northeastern State: A Boon for Stability BOSASO, Somalia — Imagine the serene, sun-kissed hills of northeastern Somalia suddenly echoing with the brisk movements of a major military campaign. That's exactly what's happening as Northeastern State forces steer towards the final leg of what they’ve dubbed Operation Hillaac. This relentless pursuit is not just another military maneuver; it’s a high-stakes attempt to oust ISIS-aligned militants from their well-entrenched lairs within the…

Baidoa (AX) – In a dramatic turn of events that might leave one pondering the age-old adage, "even thieves fall out," an intense bloodbath broke out among al-Shabab's ranks, culminating in the demise of at least 40 of its members. Picture this: a fierce showdown that paints the usually secretive corridors of power with a messy, open confrontation. What sparked this lethal flare-up in the otherwise tranquil setting of Bakol's dusty plains? Well, the answer is, unsurprisingly, money—the fuel of much discord throughout history.…

Along the sun-drenched shores of Qaw in Northeastern State, northeastern Somalia, a lone member of the Somali security forces patrols diligently, casting an ever-watchful eye across the vast landscape. It's December 18th, 2016. This snapshot, courtesy of AFP, paints a vivid picture of vigilance and resilience against the relentless backdrop of security threats. Fast forward to the bustling capital of Mogadishu, where the hum of daily life mingles with the palpable tension of ongoing military maneuvers. Somali security…

Somalia's Presidential Peace Trek to Hiran BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - Rumor has it that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is packing his bags for a trip to Baladweyne in the Hiran region. His mission? To iron out some pretty gnarly conflicts between the locals and the Hirshabelle state bosses. President Mohamud aims to untangle the mess surrounding the self-declared Hiran state—put together by some big shots who were not too thrilled with the distribution of power and cash in Hirshabelle. It's akin to a soap opera,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…