Somalia

BARDHERE, Somalia - The heart of Bardhere's ancient streets witnessed a storm of violence this Wednesday, painting the town in shades of grief and discord. In the unrested air of Somalia's Gedo region, the stagings of power played out through the decisive crack of rifles and the somber roars of artillery. Did history repeat itself, or did it chart a new course? On this day, it was not the echoes of a chieftain's call, but the clash of Jubaland forces and Somali federal troops that echoed among the dusty lanes. Among…

The long-standing tradition of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia has extended into President Donald Trump’s renewed tenure. During his inaugural address, Trump declared, "My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker." Yet, a skeptic might ask, can a leader claim to be a peacemaker when the engines of war continue to hum? On February 3, 2025, President Trump addressed reporters from the Oval Office, the weight of his decisions evident in the furrows of his brow (Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images). Recently, he ordered…

Bosaso, PUNTLAND (AX) – In the rugged, untamed expanse of Dharin, where the winds whisper tales lost to time, a remarkable operation unfolded. Northeastern State's valiant security forces orchestrated this assault against ISIS encampments nestled 17 kilometers from Turmasaale. It was a decisive April morning when sunrays kissed the Earth, drawing shadows of a shrouded stronghold unraveled by our brave men and women in uniform. In a sublime dance of strategy and valor, they reclaimed this pivotal sanctuary from the…

WASHINGTON - In a move that has captured global attention, President Donald Trump unveiled a brief yet compelling video showcasing US military airstrikes against ISIS in the remote caves of northern Somalia. What does this reveal about U.S. military capabilities? Without delving deep into specifics, Trump uploaded the 40-second footage to his X account (formerly known as Twitter) and described it as 'unclassified'. Labelling the video 'US airstrikes on ISIS targets in Somalia,' this disclosure marks a rare and candid…

The intricacies of maritime operations in the Red Sea are taking a pivotal turn, reframing international collaborations like never before. Picture a vast ocean where towering commercial vessels navigate their journeys, shielded under the vigilant watch of an elite operation. Enter the scene: Operation Aspides, a guardian of these mighty ships, quietly ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa, a linchpin in these naval undertakings, stands on the…

Senior Islamic State Somalia Commander Captured in Northeastern State In the rugged landscape of the Cal Miskaad mountains, a shocking event unfolded; Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, a senior commander within the Islamic State's Somalia faction, chose to lay down arms and surrender. His insurgent legacy was most notorious for two reasons: ruthless assassinations and coercive extraction of wealth from local businesses. As the local headlines buzz with this arrest, who exactly was "Laahoor,"…

Somalia: High-Ranking ISIS Commander Surrenders to Northeastern State Defense Forces By Ali Musa | Axadle Times International–Monitoring AXADLE, Somalia — It was a moment of profound significance when a pivotal figure within the Islamic State’s hierarchy in Somalia—a man known as Abdirahman Shirwac but more infamously called “Laahoor”—surrendered to the Northeastern State Defense Forces. The backdrop? The rugged Al-Miskaad mountains set against an intense…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Government of North Western State of Somalia has ushered in a fresh wave of initiatives aimed at re-establishing stability and reinforcing security in the Sanaag region, particularly in Erigavo. These actions are being implemented in the wake of recent clashes that forced an estimated 45,000 people from their homes, stirring concerns of further tensions. A high-caliber delegation, inclusive of members from North Western State of Somalia's legislative branches, announced a critical directive: the sole…

The intricate tapestry of geopolitics in the Horn of Africa unraveled a new thread on Monday, as North Western State of Somalia’s Ministry of Defence issued a firm rebuttal to recent claims made by AFRICOM. According to the ministry, U.S. military operations have not encroached upon their territory. But isn’t geography more an art than a science sometimes? The ministry specifically challenged assertions linked to U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, asserting airstrikes were falsely attributed to the Golis Mountains…

Mogadishu — In the bustling heart of Somalia's capital, a significant discussion unfolded on a sun-drenched Sunday. The United Kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to aiding Somalia's battle against the shadowy specters of terrorism. This pivotal meeting brought together Major General Asad Osman Abdullahi, the distinguished Somali Police Chief, and Mike Nithavrianakis, the resolute UK Ambassador. The dialogue dipped into critical questions: How can further cooperation be harnessed to counter the looming threats…