strategic

Mogadishu (AX) — On April 16, 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, executed a targeted airstrike aimed at al-Shabaab militants near the Adan Yabaal district, a pivotal location in the Middle Shabelle region. This operation highlights the ongoing struggle against extremism in a region where the stakes are high, not just for Somalia but for global security. In a statement released on Monday, AFRICOM noted that, at this point, their initial assessments revealed no…

Struggles and Resilience: The Ongoing Fight Against Al-Shabab In recent months, the landscape of Somalia's fight against militant Islamist groups has shifted once again. Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, has regrouped and is now launching a series of counter-attacks, underscoring the complexities of the conflict that has persisted for almost two decades. In a significant show of military strength, the United States and Somali forces executed a carefully planned airstrike targeting these militants. This…

In recent years, the relationship between Türkiye and Somalia has blossomed, evolving into a robust partnership across a range of sectors. This transformation is attributed to the diligent efforts of both nations, particularly highlighted by the insightful words of Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ali Mohamed Omar. He emphasizes the growing areas of cooperation that have nurtured these ties, particularly praising Türkiye's pivotal role as a mediator in addressing regional challenges. One only needs to look at a Turkish…

From the sun-drenched dunes of North Africa to the opulent skylines of the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has woven an intricate tapestry of influence stretching across the Arab world and beyond. This ambitious choreography of power unfolded in the wake of the Arab Spring, which served as a stirring catalyst for such a significant shift. Earlier this month, tensions heightened as Sudan's government launched legal proceedings against the UAE, alleging “complicity in genocide” amidst the Sudanese civil…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a confidential letter uncovered recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an audacious offer to the then U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposal, which is nothing short of groundbreaking, seeks to grant exclusive operational control to the U.S. over crucial military airbases and key ports in Somalia. But is it a move towards strengthening bilateral ties, or does it open Pandora's box of internal strife? This letter, penned on March 16, 2025, outlines an invitation for the U.S.…

Somalia's Strategic Offer to the United States In a significant diplomatic move, Somalia has proposed an offer to the United States, granting it exclusive access to crucial air bases and seaports. This proposition was detailed in a letter from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed to President Donald Trump, as confirmed by a regional diplomat privy to the matter. The proposed agreement includes air bases in Balidogle and Berbera, alongside the ports of Berbera and Bosaso. Reuters reported on the…

Bosaso port. Siphon/ CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. In a world where strategic alliances can pivot the fate of nations, Somalia finds itself at a crossroads. The Somali government recently made a bold move, offering the United States "exclusive operational control" over critical ports on the Gulf of Aden. The intention? To prevent the Washington establishment from recognizing secessionist regions within Somalia's borders. This promise is particularly contentious because, paradoxically, the Somali government…

In a recent announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his intent to respond with undefined trade actions if U.S. President Donald Trump moves forward with new auto tariffs. These tariffs have not only escalated a global trade war but have also severely impacted stock markets. Last night, President Trump introduced a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, igniting international backlash and promises of retaliation from U.S. allies. Such measures have drawn considerable criticism, highlighting concerns over their…

On a sunny Thursday morning in Ankara, against the backdrop of the stately Presidential Palace, the wheels of international diplomacy turned as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sat down for a pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Their agenda was clear: to renew and deepen the strategic partnership that has been the bedrock of their nations' friendship, focusing on security, counterterrorism, and broader developmental collaboration. But what does this partnership truly signify, and how might it…

Imagine a triangle of military might; strategic, relentless, and daunting. In the lexicon of British military analysts, this "offensive triangle" plays a pivotal role in the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Composed of infantry, drones, and that much-discussed entity known as the glide bomb, this triad presents a lethal challenge that Ukraine struggles to counter. This gives rise to a broader question that echoes across NATO meetings: should they be concerned about this strategic trio?…