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(Bloomberg) -- The Islamic State faction in Somalia, linked to the notorious worldwide terrorist network, has ramped up its operations in the Horn of Africa this year, according to a top military figure from US Africa Command. "I've got my eye on the northern stretch of Somalia where ISIS is swelling in size," expressed Africom Chief Michael Langley during a chat on Voice of America, expressing concern over the increased influx of foreign fighters into the region. Abdulkadir Mumin helms the IS-Somalia division. Born from a…

The Palestinian health ministry has reported a grievous loss of life in the Tulkarm refugee camp situated in the West Bank, where at least 18 individuals were tragically killed due to an Israeli airstrike. This attack was purportedly aimed at eliminating a Hamas commander, whose presence was significant in the region. A representative from the Palestinian security services described this air raid as the most catastrophic event in the West Bank since the year 2000, highlighting the escalation of violence in recent times.…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

US Raises Alarm Over Growing Islamic State in Northern Somalia PENTAGON — The Islamic State's presence in Somalia has surged almost twofold over the past year, according to the chief of U.S. Africa Command. “Northern Somalia's situation is increasingly worrisome with ISIS numbers on the rise,” Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander, shared in an exclusive with VOA. While Langley refrained from specifying the exact number of fighters, he noted the group's size had approximately "doubled" in the last…

The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported tragic news, indicating that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the death of 21 individuals in eastern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in violence that has persisted for nearly a week. According to the ministry's statement, “The raids carried out by the Israeli forces in the Baalbek-Hemel region have left 21 dead and 47 injured,” providing a preliminary count as heavy bombardment continues in the Baalbek vicinity, noted an AFP reporter. In its ongoing military…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a brutal turn of events, Kenyan police allegedly unleashed unnecessary force on peaceful protesters trying to storm parliament during demonstrations against harsh taxation and spending laws, Amnesty International reports. Approximately 64 individuals perished. The police clashed with young activists demanding the repeal of the Finance Bill, a three-month showdown that culminated in a tragic shootout. The aftermath left numerous casualties, some grappling with severe injuries. The chaos…

MOGADISHU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Over 342,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes in Somalia since January 2024, thrust into uncertainty by conflict, climate woes, and rampant insecurity, as per the latest briefing from the United Nations refugee agency. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led Protection and Monitoring Returns Network disclosed that a significant 23,000 were displaced just in August. Among these, 43 percent were forced to flee due to clashes, instability, and natural calamities like…

Other than intimidating businesses in Bosasso, a bustling seaport in Northeastern State, IS-Somalia peddles modest amounts of gold unearthed in the north-eastern Bari realm, its lair. According to US estimates, it's amassed a tidy $6 million since 2022, “these figures shared by ICG shed light on their funding," says ICG.With roughly 500 fighters camped out in the caves of Northeastern State's Cal Miskaat mountains, IS-Somalia’s influence is quite constrained. They've launched fewer than 12 raids since 2023, way down from the…

Ethiopian Forces Seize Key Somali Airports Amid Soaring Tensions Mogadishu (AX)— Ethiopian troops have reportedly taken control of crucial airports in Somalia's Gedo region, such as those in Luuq, Dolow, and Bardhere. This move follows rumors that the Somali federal government plans to station Egyptian forces near the Ethiopian border. The entry of Ethiopian forces has alarmed local militias, who are reportedly mobilizing in response. This escalation is occurring against a backdrop where Ethiopian troops are slated to exit…

Amnesty International says women and girls in Tigray were raped and sexually abused by Ethiopian soldiers and their allies in an attempt to inflict lasting physical and mental harm. In a new report, the rights group says that stories of gang rape, sexual slavery and sexual mutilation amount…