Special

WASHINGTON — Former special counsel Jack Smith on Wednesday defended his now-abandoned prosecutions of President Donald Trump, telling the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee that his team developed proof “beyond a reasonable doubt” that Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. “Rather than accept his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results and prevent the lawful transfer of power,” Smith said in…

Former special counsel Jack Smith mounted a rare public defense of his now-abandoned prosecutions of President Donald Trump, telling the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee that Trump “engaged in a criminal scheme” to overturn the 2020 election and that investigators had developed “proof beyond a reasonable doubt.” “Rather than accept his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results and prevent the lawful transfer of power,” Smith said, adding that the…

Somalia graduates new Gorgor Special Forces at TURKSOM as push against al-Shabab builds MOGADISHU — Somalia on Thursday graduated new units of its elite Gorgor Special Forces after completing training at the TURKSOM Military Training Academy, a milestone officials framed as pivotal to intensifying military operations against al-Shabab in the south. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, speaking at the ceremony, praised Somali National Army (SNA) leadership for sustained efforts to professionalize the force and strengthen…

Somalia Cabinet reviews security, lauds Mogadishu vote, approves Uganda, Saudi pacts MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting Monday to review the national security situation, assess recent operations against extremist groups and mark the completion of one-person, one-vote local council elections in the Banadir region, government officials said. Chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the session signaled the political weight the…

US Special Forces and Puntland State counterterrorism units on Wednesday carried out a coordinated raid on an ISIS hideout in Somalia’s Balade Valley, unleashing hours of gunfire and precision drone strikes that killed a senior commander and several militants, according to security sources. The joint operation inserted dozens of US troops by MH-60 helicopters and used MQ-9 Reaper drones to hit targets across the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley, where intelligence indicated a fortified base was housing 10 to 15…

Here's the revised content, incorporating the specified modifications and improvements: --- Primary Conclusion: Amid turbulent conflicts in Sudan and Somalia, Russia and several Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, are seizing opportunities to amplify their military presence with local factions. These nations are pushing forward their economic, military, and political goals in the Horn of Africa and the strategic Red Sea region, often at the expense of local populations and American interests. Emerging alliances in…

In a significant development, the Special Criminal Court, which delves into human rights breaches from the nation's civil war, has apprehended Abakar Zakaria Hamid. Hamid, a prominent figure in the Seleka militia—a rebellious band that took over Bangui in 2023—is under indictment. He stands accused of masterminding a vicious assault on a church a decade ago, an attack that tragically claimed the lives of no less than 17 individuals. Additionally, seven other persons are now in custody, facing charges linked to this heinous…

U.S. Special Operations Commander Visits Frontlines in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States continues to affirm its commitment to Somalia in the battle against Al-Shabaab. This extremist group has plagued the region for nearly twenty years, subjecting innocent civilians and military personnel to relentless attacks. For the past two decades, the U.S. Africa Command has diligently collaborated with the Somali National Army (SNA), facilitating operations that have successfully reclaimed numerous critical areas from…

In Burkina Faso, several weeks after the Solhan attack that officially left 132 dead, the government is strengthening its presence there. The new Minister of Security was present last Monday together with a department of special forces from the National Gendarmerie. These men, who are at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, are now responsible for securing the city along with other forces…

US plans to send special forces to Somalia WASHINGTON, United States - The United States could send a contingent of special forces to Somalia, it has been learned, more than eight months after the Defense Department repositioned more than 700 troops from the Horn of Africa nation which is struggling with instability. Former President Donald Trump repositioned most US troops in Kenya and Djibouti…