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Recent Appearances... Rantburg
AHMED ABU DIAB Ahmad Abu Diab Hamas Israel-Palestine-Jordan 20061214  
CHEKHU DIAKHABI Chekhou Diakhabi al-Qaeda in Iraq Iraq-Jordan 20050205  
HISHAM DIAB Hisham Diab al-Qaeda Home Front: WoT 20041223  
ISTIDIA OEMAR SOVIE Istidia Oemar Sovie Jemaah Islamiyah Southeast Asia 20061130  
KAMARA BIRAHIMA DIADIE Kamara Birahima Diadie al-Qaeda in Europe Europe 20041024  
KOBIE DIALO WILIAMS Kobie Diallo Williams Taliban Home Front: WoT 20061129  
NADIA ELASHI Nadia Elashi Hamas Home Front: WoT At Large 20050414 Link
NUREDIN BUDIAFI Nureddin Boudiafi Islamic Armed Group Africa: North 20050115 Link
NURREDINE BUDIAFI Nourredine Boudiafi Islamic Armed Group Africa: North 20050104 Link
  Nourredine Boudiafi Armed Islamic Group Africa: North 20050103 Link
SAADIA OMAR Saadia Omar a-Qaeda   20091127  
SIAD A FATAH IBRAHIM ABU JIDIAN Siad A-Fatah Ibrahim Abu Jidian Islamic Jihad Israel-Palestine 20041103  

Africa Horn
Three ISIS members killed in US airstrike in Somalia's Puntland
2024-06-02
[SHABELLEMEDIA] In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an Arclight airstrike
...KABOOM!...
in Somalia targeting ISIS murderous Moslems, on May 31, 2024.

The airstrike occurred in a remote area in the vicinity of Dhaardaar, approximately 81 km southeast of Bosaso, Somalia.

An initial assessment of the strike is that three ISIS murderous Moslems were killed, with no civilian casualties.

U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting innocent civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.

ISIS has conducted numerous attacks globally, including terrorist attacks in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, all while continuing to plot against the U.S. homeland and personnel and interests around the world, as well as regional partners, and others globally.

U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks, that disproportionately harms civilians.

Somalia remains central to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to degrade ISIS.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with partners, counters malign actors and international threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

Related:
U.S. Africa Command: 2024-03-06 US military confirms Al-Shabaab members killed in Somalia airstrike
U.S. Africa Command: 2024-01-24 Al-Shabaab militants killed in US military strike
U.S. Africa Command: 2023-12-23 Somali Govt confirms top Al-Shabab commander killed in US airstrike
Related:
Bosaso: 2024-05-16 Somalia: Military court releases Moroccans sentenced to death for joining ISIS
Bosaso: 2024-05-16 Somali pirates taken to Seychelles for prosecution
Bosaso: 2024-05-15 Good Morning
Link


Government Corruption
Popcorn: Hunter Biden's Ex-Stripper Baby Mama to Publish Tell-All in August
2024-05-31
[PJMEDIA] The 2024 United States Presidential Election Circus continues to keep all three rings busy 24/7 with stuff to watch. The one certainty that we can count on is that we are not going to be bored between now and November.

One of the biggest assists that Joe The Big Guy Biden
...46th president of the U.S. We get to suffer the consequences...
got from mainstream and social media in 2020 was the brutal effectiveness with which they swept the news of his boy Hunter's laptop under the rug. In fact, they insisted that it wasn't even real. If any of us in conservative media dared mention it, we were silenced and de-platformed. Even the New York Post got booted from social media for having the audacity to publish the very real news about it.

Whether it would have changed anything is impossible to know now, but the unmitigated sleaziness of Hunter Biden might have been off-putting to those soccer moms who flocked to his daddy in that election.

Even Joe Biden's Department of Justice head goon Merrick Garland couldn't keep Hunter away from a reckoning, although he did try. Victoria wrote the other day that the formerly fake laptop is so real that it's going to be evidence in his gun trial.

The judge in that trial ruled that many aspects of Hunter Biden's wilder days couldn't be discussed. Well, one of them is going to get some airtime later this summer.

Radar Online:

Lunden Roberts shares never-before-read details about her tumultuous relationship with first son Hunter Biden in an explosive memoir to be released this fall with dozens of stories that "make the laptop debacle seem routine," RadarOnline.com can reveal.

Roberts, who welcomed a child out of wedlock with the embattled 54-year-old, said she initially had a good impression of Hunter as a guy "I want to get to know better" after moving to Washington D.C. from Arkansas to pursue a graduate program.
Related:
Lunden Roberts 07/30/2023 After years of denial, Biden openly acknowledges 7th grandchild
Lunden Roberts 07/14/2023 Here's what happens when Biden cancels a 4-year-old girl

Lunden Roberts 06/21/2023 Judge decrees baby mama Lunden Roberts will now pay Hunter Biden $5,000. per month

Link


Africa Horn
Puntland Denies Federal Government's Report on Al-Shabaab Operation
2024-05-28
[SHABELLEMEDIA] The Ministry of Information of Puntland
...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion...
Regional State has issued a statement denying the federal government’s claim that Somali army forces and their international partners killed 20 al-Shabaab
... the personification of Somali state failure...
holy warriors in an operation within Puntland State.

The statement was released on Monday in response to the federal government’s report.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Information in Puntland asserts that the federal government’s report is false and misleading. The Ministry emphasized that Puntland is fully capable of managing its own security and has a strong commitment to eliminating terrorist groups, including al-Shabaab, from its territory.

The statement also highlighted Puntland’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability within its borders and the broader region. All that keeps Portland from becoming Puntland is "U"

The Ministry of Information urged the federal government to collaborate more closely with Puntland authorities in the fight against terrorism and to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to the public.

The denial from the Puntland Ministry of Information comes as a surprise, as the federal government’s report was widely circulated and believed to be accurate.

This incident raises questions about the coordination and communication between the federal government and regional authorities in the fight against terrorism in Somalia.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the federal government and Puntland authorities will address the discrepancies in their reports and work together to combat the threat posed by al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups in the region.
Link


Africa Horn
Jubbaland Voices Concerns Over worsening security amid ATMIS Withdrawal
2024-05-27
[SHABELLEMEDIA] Jubbaland Security Minister General Yusuf Hussein Osman (Dhumal) has expressed his concern regarding the security situation of the administration in the event of the withdrawal of the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces operating in Jubbaland.

During his tour of parts of the Gedo region, Dhumal emphasized the importance of having adequate security forces to replace ATMIS and ensure the safety of the region.

"We are currently making plans to replace ATMIS, and we need the support of the people and the central government to cooperate with us in the fight against al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
in the Jubbaland areas," said Dhumal. The minister’s statement comes at a critical time as the Kenyan and Æthiopian forces, which are currently operating specifically in the Juba and Gedo regions, have transferred their bases in those regions as part of the plan to withdraw ATMIS forces by the end of 2024.

The withdrawal of ATMIS forces presents a significant challenge to the security of Jubbaland, as the region has been a hotbed of conflict and instability due to the presence of al-Shabaab krazed killers.

The success of the plan to replace ATMIS with sufficient security forces is crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Dhumal’s call for cooperation from the people and the central government highlights the importance of a united front in the fight against terrorism.

The support of the local population and the central government is essential in ensuring the effectiveness of the security forces in combating al-Shabaab and maintaining peace in the region.

In conclusion, the Jubbaland Security Minister’s concerns over the security situation in the event of the withdrawal of ATMIS forces are well-founded.
Link


Africa Horn
Kenyan President Ruto Urges US Intervention to Halt ATMIS Withdrawal from Somalia
2024-05-27
[SHABELLEMEDIA] Kenyan President William Ruto has expressed grave concerns over the potential consequences of the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces withdrawing from the country.

In a recent statement, President Ruto warned that the al-Shabaab
... the personification of Somali state failure...
, an al-Qaeda-linked group could seize control of the entire Somalia if African Union forces leave by Dec. 2024.

Ruto revealed that Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud had discussed the matter with him, but they were unable to reach a consensus on the withdrawal of ATMIS forces.

The Kenyan President has now called upon the United States to intervene and prevent the withdrawal, citing the dire security implications for the region.

The al-Shabaab group, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, has been a persistent threat in Somalia and the surrounding areas. The ATMIS forces, comprised of troops from various African nations, have played a crucial role in combating the group and maintaining stability in the region.
Link


Africa Horn
Somali pirates reportedly hijacked a cargo ship
2024-05-25
[SHABELLEMEDIA] The forces of EUNAVFOR Atalanta are responding to the reports of a privacy incident currently underway off the coast of Somalia. Details are still unfolding with later updates expected once the warship assigned to Atalanta reaches the scene.
I think they mean piracy
Two small crafts are reported to have come alongside the Liberian-registered Basilisk (17,800 dwt). The vessel’s last AIS signal was transmitted two days ago as it was north of Madagascar. The indication is that the vessel was traveling from Porto Grande in Cape Verde where it departed on May 3 and was due to reach Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 29. Built in 2013, the vessel is a general multipurpose dry fat merchantman managed by MINSHIP Shipmanagement of Germany.

Atalanta is placing the ship as sailing approximately 380 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, heading north. The UK Maritime Trade Organizations places the vessel approximately 420 nautical miles southeast of Merca, Somalia.

There are unconfirmed reports that the crew was able to secure themselves in the vessel’s citadel. Atalanta reports one of its warships is in the vicinity and is first to respond.

At the beginning of last week, there were reports that pirates had hijacked another fishing dhow off the coast of Somalia. In the past, EUNAVFOR Atalanta has warned that attacks on merchant ships appear to take place within 12 days after reports of dhow hijackings.

Its strongest warnings however are for the area around Socotra island closer to Yemen
...an area of the Arabian Peninsula sometimes mistaken for a country. It is populated by more antagonistic tribes and factions than you can keep track of...
. They have warned that at least two groups were thought to be active in that area.

Last week, a Spanish frigate working with the EU forces was able to capture pirates who approached an oil product tanker, Chrystal Arctic. Six individuals were taken to the Seychelles for prosecution or attempted piracy.

Link


International-UN-NGOs
UN Sanctions Three Al-Shabaab Leaders at Request of Somali Government
2024-05-24
[SHABELLEMEDIA] In a significant move to combat terrorism, the United Nations
...an idea whose time has gone...
Security Council has sanctioned three leaders of the al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
holy warrior group following a request from the Somali government.
That’s nice. It’ll make no noticeable difference, but no doubt someone feels better for it.
The decision was made public on May 23, 2024, and targets three individuals identified as key figures in the organization:

1. Abdukadir Ikrima, is a Somali citizen who also holds a Kenyan passport.
2. Mohammed Mohamud Mire.
3. Mohammed Omar Mohammed.

The sanctions involve the freezing of assets and a travel ban, aiming to disrupt the activities of these individuals and the organizations they represent. This action comes as part of the ongoing efforts to improve security and stability in Somalia, a country that has been grappling with terrorism and insurgency for years.

The Somali government has been working closely with international partners, including the United Nations, to combat al-Shabaab, a group known for its violent mostly peaceful attacks and control over parts of the country.

The sanctions are a significant step forward in this ongoing battle, demonstrating the international community’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts to eradicate terrorism.

The UK government, through its mission in Somalia, has also expressed support for these efforts, emphasizing the importance of tackling terrorism for a safer and more secure future for all Somalis.

The move has been welcomed by many, who see it as a necessary step towards peace and stability in the region.

As of now, the impact of these sanctions on al-Shabaab’s operations and the response from the group remains to be seen. However,
the hip bone's connected to the leg bone...
this action sends a strong message that the international community stands united against terrorism and is willing to take decisive measures to combat it.

Link


Africa Horn
Puntland Rejects Outcomes of NCC Meeting in Mogadishu
2024-05-20
[SHABELLEMEDIA] In a significant development within Somalia’s complex political landscape, Puntland
...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion...
State has openly rejected the outcomes of the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in Mogadishu.

This move highlights the deepening divisions and disagreements among the federal member states of Somalia, particularly in relation to constitutional amendments and the ongoing political processes.

The National Consultative Council, a body comprised of federal and regional state leaders, recently concluded a four-day meeting in Mogadishu. The meeting aimed to address key national issues, including the controversial constitutional amendments, the fight against al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
, and the handover of security responsibilities after the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Mission to Somalia (ATMIS) departs.

However,
you can observe a lot just by watching...
the most significant outcome of the summit was the endorsement by the Federal Member States (FMS) of the amendments made to the Constitution’s first four chapters in late March. The federal member states urged parliament to expedite the approval of the remaining chapters, building on past National Consultative Council (NCC) agreements.

Puntland State, however, did not participate in the meeting. The regional state has been at odds with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) over constitutional changes, and its absence from the NCC meeting reflects the ongoing tensions between the two entities.

Puntland State leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, has voiced opposition to the communique made at the end of the NCC meeting, stating that the four-day meeting "lacked consensus" and did not serve the interests of the Somali nation.

Deni also highlighted the ongoing insecurity in many parts of Somalia and the "lack of taking into account the prevailing opinion of the general public against the contentious constitutional amendments."

This development comes amid reports that the National Consultative Council meetings failed to bridge the divisions within President Hassan Mohamud’s administration, particularly with Puntland boycotting the summit and withdrawing recognition from the FGS.

Related:
Said Abdullahi Deni 11/21/2023 Security forces thwart Al-Shabaab attack in Puntland — or possibly ISIS
Said Abdullahi Deni 11/13/2023 Somalia: Ex-pirate ringleader linked to chaos in Puntland capital
Said Abdullahi Deni 07/20/2023 Somalia: Fresh violence erupts in Las Anod city

Link


Africa Horn
Somali National Army Neutralizes Al-Shabaab Militant in Lower Shabelle Operation
2024-05-20
[SHABELLEMEDIA] In a successful operation conducted in the Golweyn area of the Lower Shabelle region, the Somali National Army (SNA) has eliminated a key member of the al-Shabaab
... an Islamic infestation centering on Somalia attempting to metastasize into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and similar places, all of which have enough problems without them...
terrorist group, Abdikadir Haji Eenow.

This significant achievement was made possible with the help of local intelligence, as residents near Golweyn town provided crucial information about the krazed killer’s whereabouts.

Farah Mohamud Hirsi, the Commander of the battalion responsible for the operation, shared the news with Shabelle radio, highlighting the importance of community cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

The operation not only demonstrates the SNA’s commitment to eradicating the threat posed by al-Shabaab but also showcases the effectiveness of local intelligence in achieving such victories.

The elimination of Abdikadir Haji Eenow is expected to weaken the al-Shabaab network in the region, as he was known to be a significant figure within the terrorist organization.

This development comes as a relief to the local population, who have long suffered from the violence and instability caused by al-Shabaab’s activities.

The SNA’s success in this operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in Somalia.

The collaboration between the military and the local community is a crucial step towards achieving this goal, as it not only helps in identifying and neutralizing threats but also fosters trust and cooperation between the two parties.

As the fight against al-Shabaab continues, the Somali National Army remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the Somali people and ensuring a safer future for the nation.

Link


Africa Horn
Somali Forces Strike Back Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle
2024-05-19
[SHABELLEMEDIA] In a significant blow to the al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
Death Eaters, the Somali National Army, with the support of international security partners, launched a successful operation in the Lower Shabelle region.

This strategic move comes in the wake of a series of al-Shabaab attacks in the area, including a deadly assault on a Ugandan base in May 2023, which marked one of the most devastating attacks on African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops since their formation in April 2022.

The operation, which took place in the Lower Shabelle region, specifically targeted al-Shabaab strongholds, aiming to neutralize the Death Eaters’ capabilities and disrupt their operations.

The Somali government, through its intelligence agency, has been working closely with international partners to ensure the success of these operations, which are a part of a broader strategy to regain control of territories long held by the bully boy group.

The Somali government has reported that the operation resulted in the killing of at least 46 al-Shabaab members. This figure is consistent with the government’s ongoing efforts to counter the insurgency, which has seen numerous operations carried out across Somalia, particularly in the volatile Lower Shabelle region.

The Lower Shabelle region has been a hotbed of al-Shabaab activity, with the group using guerilla tactics to harass and attack Somali and ATMIS troops stationed there.

The latest operation is a testament to the Somali government’s commitment to securing the region and protecting its citizens from the threat of terrorism.
Related:
Lower Shabelle: 2024-05-10 Turkish drone strikes leave 23 Shabaab-related civilians dead in Somalia
Lower Shabelle: 2024-04-09 The elite Danab Special Forces killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander in Somalia
Lower Shabelle: 2024-03-24 Two dead, 3 hurt in IED explosion at AU base in southern Somalia
Link


Africa Horn
Somaliland Marks 33rd Anniversary of Sovereignty Restoration with Celebrations
2024-05-19
[SHABELLEMEDIA] On May 18, 2024, the Republic of Somaliland
...Republic of Somaliland is an unrecognised sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, recognised internationally as a de jure part of Somalia. It is located in the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden with approximately 5.7 million residents as of 2021. The capital and largest city is Hargeisa. The government regards itself as the successor state to British Somaliland, which united from 1960 to 1991 with the Trust Territory of Somaliland (the former Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic. Under the Siad Barre regime, Somaliadestroyed ninety percent of Hargeisa Per international law, once you're in, you gotta stay in, no matter how bad it smells....
celebrated the 33rd anniversary of its decision to withdraw from its union with Somalia in 1991. The day was marked by celebrations, showcasing the region’s resilience and determination to forge its own path towards peace, freedom, and prosperity.

The festivities included a wide range of cultural events, parades, and traditional dances that highlighted the rich heritage and unity of the Somaliland people. The celebrations also served as a reminder of the challenges overcome and the progress achieved in the pursuit of illusory sovereignty.

In Hargeisa, the capital city, thousands of people from all sectors of society, including government and opposition leaders, gathered to participate in the main parade. This display of unity and solidarity underscored Somaliland’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the face of adversity.

Somaliland’s journey towards illusory sovereignty has been characterized by its dedication to democratic governance, as demonstrated by its consistent practice of holding free and fair elections. This commitment has led to smooth transfers of power and fostered a political culture rooted in transparency and accountability.

The anniversary celebrations also highlighted the significant role of women in Somaliland’s progress and their contributions to the nation’s development. The private sector’s active participation in the festivities further emphasized the nation’s commitment to progress and development.

While Somaliland continues to seek international recognition, it remains steadfast in its dedication to maintaining peace, security, and prosperity for its citizens and the region on the lam. The region’s quest for illusory sovereignty serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of its people, as they look towards the future with hope and aspiration.

The 33rd anniversary of illusory sovereignty restoration serves as a reminder of the courage and perseverance that have defined the country’s journey, and a testament to the bright future that lies ahead.

Link


-Great Cultural Revolution
Learn to code is dead...
2024-05-18
[Windows Central] I'm convinced NVIDIA's CEO was right about coding being dead in the water as a career option after watching OpenAI's GPT-4o coding demo

Besides privacy and security, job loss is a major concern for people with the prevalence of generative AI. With companies like Microsoft and OpenAI fully invested in the technology and making significant strides, it's unimaginable what AI will be able to do in just a few years.

Last year, Microsoft released its third annual Work Trend Index report which pointed out that 49% of the polled participants feared losing their jobs to AI. However, the vast majority of participants disclosed that they wanted to leverage the technology's capabilities to make work easier and save time.

This year's report focused on the State of AI at work, and interestingly, top company executives expressed their fears of there not being enough talent to fill open positions within their organizations. However, recruiters are prioritizing job applicants with an AI aptitude for vacant positions across cybersecurity, engineering, and creative design. Consequently, Microsoft reports there's been "a 142x increase in LinkedIn members adding AI skills like Copilot and ChatGPT to their profiles."

OpenAI just unveiled its new flagship GPT-4o model that can reason across audio, vision, and text in real-time, making interactions with ChatGPT more intuitive. And while it's still in the early release stages, the model is quite impressive going by the demos flooding the internet since its release. Definitely, faster and smarter than the "mildly embarrassing at best" GPT-4 model.

While watching OpenAI's Spring update event on Monday, one thing caught my attention — how insanely good GPT-4o is at coding. It's not only good but also fast and accurate based on short and precise prompts. Additionally, it's likely to get better in terms of performance via future updates coupled with new features.
Yes, there will always be a need for very accomplished programmers. Entry level, retrained from other fields? Not so much.
The problem is that there is no way to become accomplished without starting at the bottom and working your way up.
Link



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