threats

Somali influencer deported from U.S. returns to Mogadishu under threat, stoking migrant fears MOGADISHU, Somalia — A Somali social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers has been deported from the United States after months in immigration detention, returning to Mogadishu amid renewed fears for his safety and mounting anxiety across Somali migrant communities in the American Midwest. Mahad Mohamud, 36, widely known online as “Garyaqaan,” or “The Lawyer,” was removed from the U.S. last month after…

Vermont school district deluged with threats after raising Somali flag in show of support WINOOSKI, Vt. — A small Vermont school district has been hit with racist and threatening calls and messages after flying a Somali flag on campus to support Somali American students following President Donald Trump’s remarks referring to Minnesota’s Somali community as “garbage.” The Winooski School District began displaying the Somali flag on Dec. 5 outside its K-12 building, placing it beneath the U.S. flag and alongside Vermont’s…

Lithuania declares state of emergency over Belarus-linked ‘smuggler balloons’ disrupting airspace VILNIUS, Lithuania — Lithuania’s government on Monday declared a state of emergency in response to waves of weather balloons drifting in from Belarus and disrupting air traffic near the capital, a move it says is necessary to counter what it calls a hybrid operation by Minsk. The measure, which would grant additional powers to the armed forces to work alongside police and border guards to intercept the devices, has been sent to…

Somalia Brings the Prophet’s Birthday Back Into the Sun Streets of Mogadishu turn green and white Before dawn on Thursday, Mogadishu’s sea breeze carried a different kind of chorus. It rose from mosques and courtyards, from balconies draped with fabric the color of limes and spring leaves. By midmorning, the capital’s streets swelled with thousands of worshippers—many young and dressed in white—waving bright green flags and singing devotional poetry in the rolling cadence of Somali Arabic. Loudspeakers crackled with…

Ethiopia recently called in Sudan's ambassador for a stern chat over rather fiery remarks made by Sudan’s acting foreign minister. During a lively television interview, Ali Youssif hinted at the possibility of siding with Egypt and potentially going to war with Ethiopia if the talks around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) hit a stalemate. Ethiopia's foreign ministry didn't take too kindly to Youssif's comments. They expressed their "displeasure" to Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, while underlining their dedication to…

Somalia's Jubaland Tightens Security in Kismayo Amid Mogadishu Tensions KISMAYO, Somalia - As Axadle reports, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, is ramping up watchful eyes at Kismayo Airport following rattlesnake-like threats from the federal bigwigs who want to squash the state’s indirect election shindig. Whispers have it that Mogadishu dispatched a gaggle of security personnel toward Kismayo, allegedly prepping the runway for Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to swoop in and steer the electoral ship. Yet, Madobe, as…

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the chances of a transatlantic trade disruption are on the rise, but he characterized the US president-elect, Donald Trump, as "transactional" and expressed confidence that he would recognize the mutual nature of US-EU trade. Harris made these comments upon his arrival at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, which includes leaders from 47 European nations, among them the 27 members of the European Union. This gathering comes at a critical moment, as Trump's recent…

On a lively Saturday, a flotilla of boats darted around MV Ruen during a daring Indian military raid, as captured by Ministry of Defence/PIB and relayed through CNN. Mogadishu (AX), famed for its vibrant markets and historical allure, has resumed its piracy saga. After a lull lasting five months, Somali pirates have re-emerged, casting shadows over global shipping routes that stretch across the vast oceans. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), under the vigilant watch of Operation ATALANTA, sounded the alarm when a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a fresh turn of events, Abudwak Airport, nestled in Somalia's Galgaduud region, has reopened its doors to domestic flights. This comes after a two-week hiatus spurred by militia threats and rumours of behind-the-scenes political meddling. A turbulent clan dispute had stirred security fears, leading to the temporary shutdown of the airport. The skies are now clear for aviation, deemed secure by local officials. One rebel faction’s vows to strike incoming flights led airlines to halt their routes…