States

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) – In a decisive sweep, Somali National Army (SNA) troops, along with international allies and local supporters, took down over 50 al-Shabab fighters in the Galgadud region, as revealed by the Somali Ministry of Information on Saturday. The collaborative effort focused on obliterating al-Shabab positions deep within the wooded terrains between Bidda Issa and Gerile in Elder district, dealing a severe blow to their operations. "Our armed forces with international backing launched an assault on the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Friction over Somalia's governance and upcoming electoral strategies dominated the discussions at the National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly in Mogadishu, marked by notable tensions and absentees influencing the discourse.A confidential insider from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) whispered to AX that Khatumo State wasn't even on the docket. Further, this source remarked that at least one Federal Member State (FMS) fancies sticking with the moniker "President" for their leaders, despite earlier…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC) wraps up its important meeting on Thursday in Mogadishu. This summit is a hotspot where both federal and regional bigwigs are charting a course to tackle Al-Shabaab head-on. There's also some juicy behind-the-scenes drama with Northeastern State that can't be ignored. Gathered over two days, orchestrated by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the assembly zeroes in on boosting efforts against Al-Shabaab, which the Somali leadership brands as "Khawarij,"…

Mogadishu (AX) – Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, leader of Southwest regional state, landed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, ready for the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting.On arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, a welcoming committee featuring federal lawmakers, ministers, and notable political figures greeted the delegation with warm reception as they made their way to their accommodations in the bustling capital.Social media pictures highlighted the heavy military support accompanying the group,…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

The aftermath of the formidable Storm Helene has taken a grim toll, with at least 53 lives lost, as reported by officials. First responders—facing challenges like washed-out bridges and debris-laden roadways—are conducting searches house-by-house in the areas most ravaged across several states in the eastern US. According to the latest tallies from local authorities reported by AFP, the casualty figures include at least 22 fatalities in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in North Carolina, and one in…

The aftermath of the ferocious Storm Helene has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with at least 53 people confirmed dead, authorities have reported. Rescue teams, facing significant challenges due to washed-out bridges and roads littered with debris, are conducting thorough searches for survivors in several ravaged eastern U.S. states. According to updated figures compiled by AFP, the state-by-state breakdown of fatalities includes a heartbreaking 22 lives lost in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in…

AXADLE, Somalia — Inside the regal setting of the presidential palace, President Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State eagerly met with Denmark's Ambassador Steen Sonne Andersen. Their gathering zeroed in on Somalia's vast political horizons and developmental strides, nodding specifically to Northeastern State’s advancements in democratic governance and active development ventures, as per updates from the presidency. This rendezvous underscored the sustained diplomatic efforts within the region. President Deni shared…

Garowe (AX) - Northeastern State's chief, Said Abdullahi Deni, declared on Monday that Northeastern State is primed to mend the political rift with Somalia's Federal Government, which has festered for months. Speaking at a summit held by the Northeastern State Development and Research Center (PDRC), Deni cautioned that without constructive political talks, the nation risks disintegration, with other territories possibly seeking independence like North Western State of Somalia. He stressed the urgency, highlighting…