state

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali police arrested a senior advisor to the president of Puntland State during a late-night raid at an airport-area hotel in the capital, prompting allegations of intimidation and physical assault against federal lawmakers and sharpening political tensions across the country. Authorities identified the detainee as Ahmed Abdi Mahamud Hurre. Witnesses and local reports said Hurre was meeting several members of the Somali Federal Parliament at the Airport Hotel in Mogadishu when police moved in and took…

AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Monday formally rejected unilateral attempts by Somalia’s federal government to amend the country’s provisional constitution, warning that the push risks fracturing national unity and destabilizing the federal system. After a high-level consultative meeting in Garowe, Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and federal lawmakers from the region issued a joint statement condemning the reform process led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The regional leadership called the proposed…

North Western State of Somalia condemns Iran’s strikes on Gulf states, warns of threat to regional stability HARGEISA — North Western State of Somalia has condemned Iran’s latest missile and drone attacks across the Gulf and Middle East, calling them unprovoked acts of aggression that endanger regional peace and stability and pledging solidarity with countries targeted. In an official statement posted on the Foreign Ministry’s X account, the government said it “stands in full solidarity with Arab Gulf countries and rejects…

The United States on Friday designated Iran a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” the first country blacklisted under a new policy that could eventually lead to a U.S. travel ban for the Islamic Republic. The move comes as Washington builds up its military presence near Iran and threatens to strike over concerns tied to Tehran’s disputed nuclear program. “The Iranian regime must stop taking hostages and release all Americans unjustly detained in Iran, steps that could end this designation and associated actions,” U.S.…

Djibouti warns Israeli base in North Western State of Somalia threatens Horn of Africa peace DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti — Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warning that the potential establishment of an Israeli military base in the strategic port city of Berbera poses a direct threat to regional stability. In an expansive interview with Jeune Afrique, Guelleh accused Israel of exploiting North Western State of Somalia’s decades-long quest…

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro urged Somalilanders to close ranks on Thursday as regional opposition intensifies to Israel’s recognition of the territory, calling unity essential to defend “nationhood and statehood” amid mounting diplomatic pressure across the Horn of Africa. “There are many conflicts going on around North Western State of Somalia. We have not harmed anyone, we have not taken anything from anyone,” Irro said in a speech in Hargeisa. “What is needed is…

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 HARGEISA (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Thursday called for an immediate end to clan fighting in the Waqdaria and Shidan areas of Lasqoray district in the Sanaag region, urging all sides to respect the sanctity of Ramadan as casualties mounted in days of escalating tension. “I call on those who have been killing each other to stop the fighting, because the blood of Islam is forbidden,” Irro said, framing the appeal in religious terms and stressing…

Israel accredits first North Western State of Somalia ambassador, deepening ties after recognition JERUSALEM — Israel has granted diplomatic accreditation to Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, the first ambassador of North Western State of Somalia to Israel, formalizing a new phase in relations less than two months after Israel became the first country to recognize the self-declared republic. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that the appointment follows the establishment of diplomatic relations on Dec. 26, 2025,…

Northeastern administration accuses North Western State of Somalia forces of attack in Sanaag’s Waqdariya; casualties reported Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 MOGADISHU — The Northeastern regional administration on Thursday accused North Western State of Somalia forces of attacking civilians in the Waqdariya area of Sanaag region, saying the assault caused casualties but offering no official toll. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Security, the administration said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. in Waqdariya,…

Israel accredits first North Western State of Somalia ambassador, cementing new diplomatic ties TEL AVIV — Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday formally accredited North Western State of Somalia’s first ambassador to Israel, deepening a swiftly developing relationship less than two months after Israel recognized the self-declared republic’s independence. The ministry said Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, widely known as Mohamed Hagi, has been received as a plenipotentiary ambassador in Tel Aviv. His appointment follows the…