Somali

Sharmarke Issa stands accused of orchestrating a staggering $7.6 million of the $50 million heist from the Feeding Our Future (FOF) nutrition program. Out of this, he pocketed a whopping $3.5 million, which he must repay as restitution.A former Somalian refugee and the chair of the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA), Issa, 40, of Edina, admitted to federal wire fraud charges on Wednesday. Court records reveal he masterminded a complicated money-laundering scheme that siphoned funds meant for feeding children during…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali National Army (SNA) has taken down numerous Al-Shabaab militants in the southern regions, affirming they've reclaimed pivotal villages from the extremists. Collaborating with regional troops, government forces executed impactful operations in Bakool and Lower Jubba, leading to a significant elimination of enemy forces, as per state-run media. During these offensives, myriad ammunition, RPGs, and heavy weaponry were seized. Several militants were captured and will promptly face military…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali National Army (SNA), along with Jubbaland State's Darawish troops, has ramped up its offensive against Al-Shabaab insurgents in Lower Jubba. This week's mission aims to uproot key militant strongholds around Bulo Haji. The effort zeroes in on the thick scrublands of Lagta Anole, where military leaders report that numerous Al-Shabaab hideouts have been obliterated. Jubbaland Darawish Commander Ismail Sahardid announced that Somali and Jubbaland forces have significantly pushed back the militants.…

Washington, D.C. (AX) – U.S. President Joe Biden welcomed the Somali Ambassador Dahir Hassan Arab at the White House, where the ambassador presented his diplomatic credentials. This ceremonial act symbolizes a step toward strengthening bonds between Somalia and the United States.In their dialogue, Ambassador Arab and President Biden explored ways to bolster bilateral ties, particularly zooming in on Somalia's developmental strides, as well as the Somali government's initiatives to uplift the quality of life for its…

On Wednesday, Somalia proclaimed the capture of a top boss from the terrorist faction al-Shabaab in the central Galgadud region.Ali Geelle, a high-ranking leader linked to al-Qaeda's offshoot al-Shabaab, was nabbed by the Somali National Army (SNA) in a military operation in Galgadud, according to a terse Defense Ministry communique.“The operation in Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, also saw the confiscation of a vehicle, a gun, and some ammo,” the ministry posted on X. They noted that Geelle had been involved in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali Foreign Minister Yusuf Garaad admonished the Somali government to step in regarding recent remarks made by Director of Transport and Aviation Bashir Moalim Ali. Ali sparked an uproar by casting aspersions on the people of South West State during a media engagement. Ali questioned the genuineness of the recent demonstrators in Bakool, alleging they weren't true Somalis but descendants of Ethiopians from the time of former President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed. "Hearing Somali citizens labeled as…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a heart-wrenching incident, a Somali mother and her four-year-old daughter tragically lost their lives after drowning in the Loing River in northern France this past Monday, according to local sources. The heartbreaking event took place in Nemours, a town situated in the Seine-et-Marne region. The young girl had tumbled into the river by accident, and her mother met a tragic fate while trying to rescue her.The authorities were alerted by nearby residents who had been stirred by the mother's frantic cries…

Mogadishu (AX) — A Somali military tribunal has handed Mahmoud Abdulle Geesood, notorious as "AJ," a death sentence for fatally shooting Hassan Abdullahi Ahmed, commonly known as "Qeylo." The tragedy unfolded on February 19 in Harardheere, a locale in the Mudug region. The fracas ignited at a food distribution point over aid cards designated for displaced folks. Onlookers divulged that the quarrel snowballed into a brawl, during which Geesood pulled out a gun and shot Ahmed, who perished instantly. The contentious aid…

Mogadishu (AX) – Sareedo Mohamed Abdulle, a member of the Somali People's Assembly, leveled accusations at the Somali Intelligence Agency for barring her and fellow parliamentarians from flying to Baidoa on Thursday. "Unfamiliar with the law, individuals stopped me from boarding my flight today. MPs from the Southwest are under attack, and henceforth, we'll enter the airport armed," Abdulle stated to the press. Adding to the uproar, MP Saadaq Abdullahi labeled the travel prohibition as illegal, alleging that the…