Somali

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a spirited struggle for peace and stability is unfolding. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stands at the forefront of this effort, unyielding in his vow to eradicate the militant factions that threaten Somalia's future. As operations surge in the regions of Hirshabelle and Southwest States, the determination of the government resonates with every heartbeat of its citizens. On a serene Wednesday evening, under the gentle glow of the moon, an Iftar gathering buzzed with hope…

ISIS Militants' Strategic Shift in Somalia Imagine a calm, silent night in the rugged terrain of Somalia's northeastern Bari region. The wind whispers secrets through the Al Miskaad mountains. Once a stronghold for the shadowy figures of ISIS, these peaks have silently witnessed violent confrontations. In recent weeks, the battleground has shifted, not just geographically, but tactically. "The enemy adapts," General Faadhigo, the firm yet weary spokesperson for Northeastern State's counterterrorism forces, has…

The crisp morning air of Masajid Ali Guduud, a critical juncture in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region, was abruptly shattered as dawn broke on Wednesday. The stillness of the early hours gave way to the unmistakable chaos of an ambush as Al-Shabaab militants launched a fierce assault on a Somali National Army (SNA) base. The attack unfolded with a disconcerting familiarity—a blast echoed through the area, announcing the beginning of a violent skirmish that swiftly escalated into an exchange of heavy and light gunfire.…

In the ever-changing landscape of international diplomacy, moments arise where collective action speaks louder than individual efforts. Recently, such a moment was captured when Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre joined an essential virtual gathering of leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The backdrop of their discussion was the increasingly troubling security situation unraveling in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The dialogue,…

The Heart-Wrenching Tragedy of Mohamed Abukar Mohamed It was a day like any other in the bustling Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu. Yet, the morning of March 18, 2025, cast a shadow over the city, claiming the life of someone whose only crime was striving to share the truth. Mohamed Abukar Mohamed, affectionately known as Dabaashe, was one of those rare journalists with a passion for his craft. He had the ability to connect the dots in complex stories, to shed light in the darkest…

In a recent tragic event that underscores the turbulent challenges faced by East African nations, at least six law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives while four others sustained injuries in an aggressive attack on a police encampment in Kenya. The perpetrators are suspected to be militants associated with Somalia's al-Shabab group. The attack unfolded in the early hours of dawn within Garissa County, a region in eastern Kenya adjacent to the volatile border shared with Somalia. A report released by Kenyan…

Qatar’s Amir Extends Support Following Mogadishu Attack MOGADISHU – In a heartfelt phone call this Saturday, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed a profound denouncement of the attack aimed at Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy in Mogadishu. The commitment of Qatar to stand with Somalia was underlined once more during this crucial exchange. It is often in the darkest times that true allies stand firm. Reflecting on such solidarity, Sheikh Tamim…

Somalia's President Engages with the New African Union Chairperson in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air in Mogadishu held a mix of anticipation and solemnity as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a distinguished guest at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace. It was Sunday, a day set apart for forging deeper alliances. The occasion? The inaugural visit of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the freshly minted Chairperson of the African Union Commission, since his election barely two months ago.…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a compelling twist of events, the Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow, Al-Hidaya, has been set free. It was forcibly seized by Somali pirates on March 16, as it sailed off the northern coast of Somalia. The European Union Naval Force, commonly known as EUNAVFOR, officially confirmed this development on Friday. This daring hijacking unfolded near the notorious piracy zone of Eyl, close to Durdura. Have you ever wondered what draws pirates to such regions?…

Somali Army's Preparedness Challenged by Al-Shabaab: A Tale of Strength and Struggle MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a statement that echoes defiance and challenges convention, the extremist group Al-Shabaab, aligned with Al-Qaeda, has leveled a bold claim against the Somali National Army (SNA). They assert that the SNA remains inadequately equipped and prepared to challenge them, emphasizing that Al-Shabaab continues to be 'seriously empowered' and ready to face national forces. Al-Shabaab's spokesperson, Ali Dhere,…