U.S. says Somalia policy unchanged after Israel recognizes North Western State of Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — The United States on Monday reiterated that its policy on Somalia remains unchanged, reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel moved to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state late last year. A U.S. State Department spokesperson told the BBC that Washington maintains a “good working relationship” with North Western State of Somalia and other Somali…

Trump announces U.S.-India trade deal slashing tariffs to 18%, tied to cuts in Russian oil purchases President Donald Trump said he has agreed to a trade deal with India that will cut U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, in exchange for New Delhi lowering trade barriers, curbing purchases of Russian oil and increasing energy buys from the United States — and potentially Venezuela. In a social media post after a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump said the United States would reduce its “reciprocal”…

Bill and Hillary Clinton will testify before a Republican-led House investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a staffer said, a move that could head off planned contempt votes against the former president and former secretary of state. The House Oversight Committee last week recommended holding the Clintons in contempt for initially refusing to appear in person about their interactions with Epstein, who died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The House Rules Committee had…

Greenland’s prime minister warned that the United States still seeks control over the Arctic island despite former U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to forgo the use of force, sharpening tensions that have pulled in Denmark, NATO allies and Greenland’s Indigenous communities. Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the U.S. continues to pursue “paths to ownership and control over Greenland,” even as Trump has backed away from threats of military action. Trump intensified calls for U.S. control at the start of the year, citing national…

Frank W. Garcia Jr. Nominated to Lead Africa Bureau at State Department Frank W. Garcia Jr., a veteran Republican Congressional aide, has been nominated by President Trump to head the Africa Bureau at the State Department. Garcia, whose nomination for the position of Assistant Secretary for Africa was submitted to the Senate on January 29, is currently serving as a senior advisor to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). His appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, a process…

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack on Iran would trigger a regional war, state media reported, as Washington moves additional naval assets into the Middle East and both sides signal that indirect talks are underway. Khamenei dismissed President Donald Trump’s repeated threats and the U.S. carrier-led deployment as psychological pressure. “The Iranian nation shall not be scared by these things,” he said. “We are not the initiators and do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian…

U.S. begins $70 million upgrade of Kenyan air base after 2020 al-Shabab attack NAIROBI, Kenya — The United States has launched a $70 million project to expand an airfield at Manda Bay Air Base in coastal Kenya, deepening counterterrorism cooperation with Nairobi four years after an al-Shabab assault killed three Americans at the site. The expansion is underway at the Kenyan Defense Forces facility in Lamu County near the Somalia border, a longtime hub for operations against the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab. U.S. Deputy…

U.S. clears $9 billion sale of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to Saudi Arabia The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of Patriot interceptor missiles and related equipment to Saudi Arabia valued at an estimated $9 billion, the Pentagon said Friday. The package centers on 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, known as PAC-3 MSE, with Lockheed Martin named as the principal contractor. In its announcement, the Pentagon said the proposed sale will not alter the military balance…

The U.S. government entered a partial shutdown after a budget deadline passed without House action on a 2026 spending plan, but disruption is expected to be limited with the chamber set to return Monday to take up a Senate-backed deal. The lapse follows a breakdown in negotiations driven by Democratic fury over two recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, which derailed talks over new money for the Department of Homeland Security. Senate leaders responded by splitting off DHS…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday warned that the United States will take “decisive military action” against Somali pirate groups, signaling a tougher posture that could allow U.S. forces to target suspected pirates even if they have not attacked American vessels. Trump said U.S. forces would strike any individual or boat that moves toward a ship, regardless of ownership or flag. “Anyone who tries to move toward a vessel will meet the ultimate punishment,” he said, according to remarks reported by U.S. media. The…