soldiers

New Kenyan Army Chief Visits Troops Battling Al-Shabaab in Somalia KISMAYO, Somalia - In a significant and strategic outreach, Lt. General David Ketter, the newly appointed Kenya Army commander, made his inaugural visit to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployed in Somalia. These troops are serving as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). His trip to the Horn of Africa marked a pivotal moment in his leadership journey. Until his recent promotion, Ketter was the Assistant Chief of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of camaraderie and military solidarity, Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, the Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), visited Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in the Lower Shabelle region last Friday. This visit carried with it a significant message of appreciation for the pivotal role of these troops in recent military victories—specifically, the liberation of Sabiid and Anole towns from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants.…

Heartbreak at Jaalle Siyaad: A Fresh Blow from Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - The serenity of the morning was shattered as tragedy struck near the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy. Four brave soldiers from the Somali National Army (SNA) succumbed to an assault led by the militant group Al-Shabaab—an attack that echoes past tragedies within these very grounds. Witness accounts paint a picture of sudden chaos and devastation, revealing that numerous others were injured in the wake of this suicide bombing. The…

Bosaso (AX) — Recently, a group of brave soldiers from the Northeastern State army, who valiantly fought against ISIS militants in the arduous terrain of the Al-Miskaad Mountains, has voiced serious allegations against the Northeastern State Military Support Committee. They claim that the funds earmarked for their medical care have been misappropriated, leaving them in a troubling situation that raises profound questions about accountability and compassion in times of crisis. On a rather somber Sunday, these injured…

Somalia Delisted from Child Soldiers Recruitment Countries MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a significant stride towards safeguarding children's rights, Somalia has successfully been removed from the list of nations identified for the recruitment of child soldiers. This action, acknowledged and enforced by the United Nations, marks a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards enduring peace and protection of human rights. The issue of child soldiers has long been a scar on the…

Uganda Confirms Death of 7 Soldiers in Somalia Clash With Al-Shabaab KAMPALA, Uganda - The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has solemnly announced the death of seven of its soldiers who were part of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This tragic incident unfolded amidst intense conflict with the notorious al-Shabaab fighters. For close to 20 years, Uganda has played a pivotal role in the mission, deploying approximately 3,000 troops in a bid to bring peace to…

Security forces maintain a vigilant watch outside a building recently targeted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mogadishu, Somalia's bustling capital, on February 21, 2023. The marked tension in the air is palpable, as the ongoing threat from extremist groups continues to cast a long shadow over the Horn of Africa. In a heartbreaking announcement, officials confirmed that at least seven Ugandan soldiers lost their lives in Somalia. This tragic loss underscores the risks faced by those in the frontline of the battle…

South Africa's Military Withdrawal from the DRC: A Moment of Reflection In a recent announcement reported by Sputnik Afrique, South Africa’s Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, warmly welcomed a contingent of 249 soldiers returning from duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Her words resonated with both pride and poignancy as she extolled their “unwavering patriotism” in one of the African continent’s most tumultuous zones. It brings to mind the dual nature of military service—intense duty and the…

TOKYO (AP) — The tranquil beauty of Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost island, has long been shadowed by the echoes of its wartime past. Recently, this historical tapestry was disrupted by an alarming incident at a U.S. military base, where an explosion at a storage site dedicated to unexploded ordnance injured four Japanese soldiers. Thankfully, the injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening, providing a small sigh of relief amidst the chaos. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the lingering shadows…

A Dark Morning in Hargeisa: A Family's Nightmare Hargeisa (AX) — This past Sunday morning, tragedy struck the Fallujah neighborhood in Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia, when a soldier turned against his own family in an inexplicable act of violence. Reports from local media and family members paint a heart-wrenching picture of a morning that began like any other but quickly descended into chaos and sorrow. According to a family member who spoke with Bulsho TV, the incident unfolded around 8 a.m. “My…