Somalia

Al-Shabaab Launches Deadly Attack on Hotel in Central Somalia BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – On an otherwise ordinary Sunday, the town of Beledweyne was abruptly thrown into chaos. Al-Shabaab militants launched a heavy assault on the Qaahira Hotel in the Howlwadaag neighborhood, shattering any semblance of routine with their violent intrusion. The attack started with thunderous explosions at the hotel’s entrance, a chilling harbinger of the violence to follow. Within moments,…

(FILE) Al-Shabab fighters display weapons as they conduct military exercises in northern Mogadishu, Somalia, on Oct. 21, 2010. Ambassador Kelley, a voice of reason amidst the tumultuous landscape of international politics, once remarked, "We encourage dialogue between the Yemen and Al-Shabaab sanctions Panels ... to shed light on and ultimately sever the ties between the Houthis and Al-Shabaab." This statement, filled with optimism and determination, calls upon the global community to unite against an emerging threat that…

FILE PHOTO Beledweyne (AX) – In the early morning hours of Tuesday, the usually bustling streets of Beledweyne echoed with the sounds of chaos as the Al-Shabaab terrorist faction launched a brazen and calculated siege on the Cairo Hotel. Nestled within Beledweyne's Howlwadaag neighborhood, the hotel became a not-so-innocent backdrop to a grim narrative, punctuated by a series of explosive car bombs and piercing gunfire. Imagine the bustling city, momentarily stilled by the sudden, violent eruption. Al-Shabaab's approach…

Mogadishu (AX) – The winds of change are sweeping across Somalia’s economic landscape, spearheaded by promising news from the Somali Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed. With a tone that mingles optimism and realism, the Minister has announced the near completion of oil exploration activities being conducted by a Turkish enterprise. This significant development may well place Somalia on the map of the world's oil producers by late this year or perhaps the onset of 2026, showcasing a daring leap…

Imagine walking into a food storage facility in North Western State of Somalia, with piles of food supplies neatly stacked high, strategically organized for distribution. Yet, underneath this orderliness lies a pressing concern that authorities are actively grappling with. Recently, the government has taken a significant step—a prohibition on importing empty packaging materials—a decision rooted deeply in public health concerns. A Proactive Stance In a recent announcement, the North Western State of Somalia…

BOSASO, Somalia - In a remarkable turn of events, Northeastern State forces have successfully dismantled an ISIS sniper training camp nestled deep within its territory. This development signifies a crucial victory at a time when Somalia is making monumental strides toward eradicating extremist threats. But what does this mean for a nation that has struggled against the relentless tide of terrorism for so long? The operation, led by the Northeastern State counterterrorism operations center, unveiled a vast…

Somalia to Implement Stricter Aviation Security Measures In a pivotal move, set to take full effect by March 31, 2025, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has declared a mandatory compliance for all international airlines operating within the country’s airspace. This mandate compels airlines to furnish Advanced Passenger Information (API) as well as Passenger Name Record (PNR) data. The collected data is expected to bolster border security while simultaneously addressing pressing issues…

Somalia Reassures Diplomatic Ties with UAE Despite North Western State of Somalia Invitation In the midst of diplomatic tension, the Somali government has extended a calming signal to its citizens regarding the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) recent invitation to North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Irro. The winds of change are often met with storms, but Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, assures that this is not one of those occasions. He emphasizes that the…

Airstrike Destroys Al-Shabaab's Makeshift Bridge in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a decisive move, the Somali National Army (SNA), in tandem with allied forces, conducted an airstrike that demolished a crucial makeshift bridge employed by Al-Shabaab. This bridge was no ordinary structure; it served as a pivotal connection for the militants who roamed the many middle regions of the country. One can't help but ponder: how did this makeshift piece serve the intricate movements of Al-Shabaab, allowing it to skirt around…

Mogadishu (AX) — The former Deputy Director of Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdisalam Guled, has raised a profound concern. He sounded an alarm that echoes through the corridors of power and over the Somali plains, warning of the increasing threat Al-Shabaab poses. His voice reverberates with urgency, urging the Somali government to take bold and decisive measures to counteract the evolving ploys of this militant group. In a poignant articulation of the threat, Guled observed a shift in…