Garoowe, (WDN)– After four years of withholding development funds and neglecting Puntland’s security needs, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) is now attempting to involve itself in the state’s war against ISIS—just as Puntland is nearing victory. Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has accused Puntland President Said Deni of blocking the federal government from participating in the ongoing battle against ISIS. However, this statement is widely perceived as an attempt by the FGS to divert attention from its own failures and silence growing public outrage over its inaction. For years, Mogadishu has deliberately undermined Puntland by denying it the financial resources allocated for development and security. Despite this, Puntland launched a determined military campaign against ISIS without any assistance from the federal government. Instead of offering support, the FGS remained silent, refusing even to acknowledge Puntland’s progress in eliminating terrorist threats. Now that Puntland is on the...

Saturday February 22, 2025 Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali National Army (SNA), with support from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted airstrikes near Bulo Burte district in Hiiraan region on February 20, 2025, to thwart an Al-Shabaab attack on the district.  According to Somali government officials, the airstrikes were part of ongoing efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and prevent attacks on strategic towns.  “This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our partnership with international allies in the fight against terrorism,” a Somali government spokesperson said. “We are committed to eliminating these groups and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.”  The spokesperson further emphasized the importance of military collaboration, stating, “The partnership between the Somali National Army and AFRICOM highlights the global commitment to combating terrorism in Somalia.”  The United States and other international partners have been providing critical support to the Somali government, including intelligence sharing, training, and logistical assistance,...

KHARTOUM – Sudan recalled its ambassador from Kenya on Thursday in protest against Nairobi’s hosting of a meeting to discuss the formation of a parallel government.   A Foreign Ministry statement said Kamal Jabara was summoned “for consultations in response to Kenya’s hosting of meetings involving the Rapid Support Forces ((RSF) militia and its allies, in a hostile move against Sudan.”   The ministry urged Nairobi to abandon what it called a “dangerous course” that threatens regional peace and security and promotes terrorism and genocide.   Sudan earlier accused Kenya’s presidency of “embracing and encouraging a conspiracy” to establish an RSF-led government. Source: AA Source link

Friday February 21, 2025 Somali government forces and local militia pose for a photo after retaking Ceelbaraf from Al-Shabaab militants in the Middle Shabelle region. The joint operation, part of ongoing offensives against the extremist group, saw security forces reclaim control of the town without resistance as militants fled. CREDIT / SUPPLIED Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government forces and allied local militias regained control of the strategic towns of El Baraf and Miirtaqwa in the Middle Shabelle region on Friday, reclaiming them from Al-Shabaab militants who had briefly occupied the areas. The Somali National Army (SNA) and local fighters launched a coordinated counteroffensive, forcing Al-Shabaab to retreat without resistance. Military officials said the militant group had taken advantage of troop movements elsewhere to seize control of the towns but fled upon learning of the approaching government forces. “The Khawarij exploited our redeployment to reinforce battles in Ceel Cali Axmed and...

MOGADISHU (Reuters) — Somalia said on Thursday its army and allied clan militias have fought off coordinated raids on villages by the Islamist al Shabaab armed group in the country’s south, killing more than 130 attackers. The al Qaeda-linked militant group has conducted a bloody insurgency in southern and central Somalia since 2007, killing thousands of people in a campaign that has been marked by deadly bombings in the capital Mogadishu. Al Shabaab attacked four villages in the Middle Shabelle region with vehicles laden with explosives on Thursday morning, and briefly captured two of them before being repulsed in heavy fighting, two local residents and a defense ministry spokesperson said. “The heroes of the national army and the local people killed more than 130 [al Shabaab fighters] in the operation to defeat the enemy,” the information ministry said in a statement. “They attacked all these areas from many directions with...

Friday February 21, 2025By Terence Baker The Mogadishu Rotana hotel, as displayed in this rendering, will have 261 rooms and 60 residences. (Riverside Holding) The stakeholders involved in bringing a luxury hotel to Mogadishu, Somalia, hope the development can begin to rehabilitate the image of the Eastern African nation. In December, developers broke ground on the Mogadishu Rotana, a 261-room hotel with an additional 60 apartments near Aden Adde International Airport, the main airport in Somalia’s capital. The Mogadishu Rotana is part of a mixed-use zone containing a conference center, shopping mall, hospital and residences, according to Jibril Hassan Mohamed, chairman of Riverside Holding, which is the hotel’s ownership firm. Riverside is a division of Somali bank Premier Bank. Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based Aleph Hospitality will manage the Mogadishu Rotana, which is scheduled to open in 2026. Suleiman Abdullahi, project lead at Riverside Holding, said the partners are on a mission...

Bosaso (WDN)- The Puntland State of Somalia, which is engaged in a fierce war with the ISIS-Somalia, has achieved significant military successes. In a press release issued today, Puntland authorities announced that their forces have inflicted heavy losses on ISIS militants, dealing a major blow to the group’s operational capabilities. The press release detailed the losses on the ISIS militants during today’s operation in the Cal Miskaad mountains of the Bari region. The press release from Puntland’s Counter-Terrorism Operation stated: “The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Operation (Hillaac) today, on 20 February 2025, carried out a combined air and ground assault, killing 44 ISIS militants who were massing in the Togga-Jeceel area of the Cal Miskaad mountains.” “In the operation targeting ISIS militants, coordinated efforts resulted in the elimination of over 15 foreign ISIS fighters. The armed forces fully secured the areas of Dhasaq, Qurac, and the vicinity of Damdamaale, all part of Togga...

Thursday February 20, 2025 Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble (center left) listens as a Somali community leader addresses supporters at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on February 20, 2025. Roble arrived in South Africa after the Somali government denied him diplomatic passport clearance, sparking political controversy.  Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble arrived in South Africa on Thursday after the Somali government blocked him from obtaining diplomatic passport clearance, raising questions about political maneuvering in Mogadishu. Roble, who landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, travelled using his Swedish passport, which he holds as a naturalized citizen. He was accompanied by a delegation that included former Minister of Education Abdullahi Arab, former State Minister for Planning Gaani, and former Banadir regional secretary-general Xiireey. The entire group reportedly used European passports, underlining the Somali government’s decision to withhold diplomatic travel privileges....

The African Union announced Monday that Libya will host the 2026 African-Turkish Summit. The decision was adopted during the 38th African Union summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from Feb. 15-16, according to a statement from Libya’s Presidential Council. “This decision is the result of the diplomatic efforts made by the Libyan delegation during the summit, led by Libyan Presidential Council head Mohamed al-Menfi,” it added. It underscores the importance of Libya hosting the event as part of efforts to restore its active role and leadership position in Africa, after its significant role in expanding economic, political and sustainable development cooperation, the statement noted. The statement also said that the hosting represents renewed international recognition of Libya’s potential and its pivotal role in enhancing dialogue and strategic cooperation between Africa and key countries, advancing shared interests and fostering more effective partnerships for the continent’s goals. The African Union, a 55-nation organization established in 2002...

Thursday February 20, 2025 Mogadishu (HOL) – The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has launched a manhunt for Abdullahi Hassan Abdi, a suspected Al-Shabaab operative accused of extorting money from residents in the Banadir region.  In a statement, NISA said Abdi had been actively involved in collecting illegal funds through coercion and intimidation, posing a serious threat to regional security.  “Abdullahi Hassan Abdi is a dangerous individual whose actions undermine the peace and stability of our nation. We urge all citizens to provide any information that could lead to his arrest,” the agency said.  NISA’s appeal is part of ongoing efforts by Somali security forces to dismantle extremist networks, the statement added. The agency assured the public that any information provided would be handled with strict confidentiality.  Authorities have urged anyone who knows Abdi’s whereabouts to contact NISA immediately. The manhunt is part of a broader counterterrorism campaign, with...