| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: Grenade Attacks Target Southwest State Officials in Baidoa |
| 2024-05-15 |
| [ShabelleMedia] In a shocking turn of events on Sunday night, two residential homes in Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of the Southwest state, were attacked by unknown assailants. The attacks involved the hurling of hand grenades at the residences of prominent Southwest state officials, causing a stir among residents and security agencies. The first attack targeted the home of Kurow Amhar, a member of the Darwish army within the regional administration. Shortly after, a second grenade was thrown at the residence of Ilyas Ali Noor, the former Minister of Information of the Southwest administration, who currently serves as the director of the Tubsan Agency. As of the latest reports, no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for these attacks, leaving the motives behind the actions unclear. The security agencies have not provided any information regarding the incidents, and no casualties have been reported in connection to the earth-shattering kabooms. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of officials within the Southwest state, prompting a call for increased vigilance and investigation into the matter. Baidoa residents and officials alike are awaiting further details from the security agencies regarding the perpetrators and the reasons behind the attacks. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the Southwest state’s security apparatus to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of its officials and citizens. The lack of information and the absence of a claim of responsibility have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the events. |
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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: Grenade Attacks Target Southwest State Officials in Baidoa |
| 2024-05-14 |
| [SHABELLEMEDIA] In a shocking turn of events on Sunday night, two residential homes in Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of the Southwest state, were attacked by unknown assailants. The attacks involved the hurling of hand grenades at the residences of prominent Southwest state officials, causing a stir among residents and security agencies. The first attack targeted the home of Kurow Amhar, a member of the Darwish army within the regional administration. Shortly after, a second grenade was thrown at the residence of Ilyas Ali Noor, the former Minister of Information of the Southwest administration, who currently serves as the director of the Tubsan Agency. As of the latest reports, no group has stepped forward to claim responsibility for these attacks, leaving the motives behind the actions unclear. The security agencies have not provided any information regarding the incidents, and no casualties have been reported in connection to the earth-shattering kabooms. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety and security of officials within the Southwest state, prompting a call for increased vigilance and investigation into the matter. Baidoa residents and officials alike are awaiting further details from the security agencies regarding the perpetrators and the reasons behind the attacks. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the Southwest state’s security apparatus to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety of its officials and citizens. The lack of information and the absence of a claim of responsibility have only added to the uncertainty surrounding the events. |
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| Africa Horn | |
| Southwest State Forces Kill 2 Shaboobniks, Capture 12 | |
| 2024-05-10 | |
[ShabelleMedia] In a series of successful operations against the al-Shabaab ... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...terrorist group, the Southwest state forces of Somalia have achieved notable victories, capturing 12 al-Shabaab members and eliminating key figures within the organization. These operations mark a significant step forward in the ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in Somalia. According to Somali state media, a government operation conducted in Somalia’s Bay region on May 5, 2024, resulted in the elimination of two al-Shabaab fighters, identified as Abdullahi Aliyow and Najib Abdisalan. These individuals were responsible for tax collection for the group, a critical source of funding for their activities. This operation demonstrates the government’s commitment to dismantling the financial infrastructure of al-Shabaab, a crucial aspect of weakening the group’s operational capabilities. In a separate operation carried out in villages located outside the Baydhabo town, the Southwest state’s spy agency unveiled several al-Shabaab operatives. These individuals were part of a larger network involved in terrorist activities, including planned liquidations, direct assaults, nighttime bombings, and extortion. Twelve individuals were detained in this operation, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating terrorism. These successes come amid ongoing efforts by the Somali government and its international partners to combat al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army, 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) troops, and local militia have been working together to push back against the krazed killer group. These efforts have resulted in the recapture of key strategic towns and the elimination of a significant number of al-Shabaab fighters. The second phase of operations against al-Shabaab, which kicked off in southwest and Jubaland states, has seen the participation of soldiers from neighboring Kenya, Djibouti, and Æthiopia, in addition to Somali forces.
The suspected militants were rounded by security forces in Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest state, following intensive search mounted by local troops. Southwest is a major terror hotbed in Somalia. According to NISA, the 12 individuals were arrested following a coordinated crackdown by national security forces in Baidoa city and its surroundings were extorting money from members of the public in the region. The suspects, NISA added, will be charged in the military court in line with traditions set by security operatives in Somalia. Besides extortion, they are accused of killing members of the public along with endangering the lives of security teams. Security and intelligence officers from the southern state of Somalia are continuing with operations in the region to ensure security is maintained. The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab is set to be launched in Southwest and Jubaland states. For the last two years, security teams have intensified operations against Al-Shabaab in central regions, killing at least 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants. In the process, hundreds of Al-Shabaab militants have also surrendered to security teams. The second phase of operations was delayed due to logistical challenges but the government announced possible resumption in the coming months. The Somali National Army is expected to assume security responsibilities from foreign troops by the end of this year. Already, about 5,000 African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) soldiers have left the country. By June this year, 5,000 more are set to leave as the African Union gears towards implementation of the Somali Transition Plan. Related: Bay region: 2024-04-21 At Least 9 Al-Shabab Militants Killed in Bay Region Bay region: 2024-04-02 A suspect apprehended for grenade attack on mosque in Baidoa, Somalia Bay region: 2024-02-12 At least 27 militants killed in army attack on Al-Shabaab base Related: Baydhabo: 2011-11-11 Kenyan troops gear up for fresh Shabaab raids Baydhabo: 2006-10-25 Baidoa will fall soon and we don't recognize the UN: Hassan Turki Baydhabo: 2006-05-13 US and Al-Qaeda blamed for Mogadishu's turmoil | |
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| 2024-04-02 | ||||||||||||||
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| Africa Horn |
| A suspect apprehended for grenade attack on mosque in Baidoa, Somalia |
| 2024-04-02 |
| [ShabelleMedia] On Saturday night, security officers in Baidoa, the Bay region’s capital, captured a suspect in a hand grenade attack on a mosque in the southern town. According to a police officer, people helped apprehend the individual during a security operation, and he is now being held at the Baidoa cop shoppe. The city is part of Somalia’s Southwest state, and its security is primarily provided by Æthiopian troops, some of whom are not part of the AU operation. "Immediately following the incident, security forces detained the individual. I urge the people to work with security officials to prevent anything that could jeopardize the area’s security," the officer stated. Located around 250 km southwest of Mogadishu, Baidoa’s security has lately improved as a result of enhanced army operations targeted at securing the town. Officials say al-Shabaab  ... the personification of Somali state failure...has severely times attempted to seize the town, after launching attacks and imposing road blockades for the past years, but the group failed on its mission. |
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| Africa Horn |
| Somali army kills 30 Al-Shabaab members in Jubaland state |
| 2024-03-04 |
[ShabelleMedia] An hours-long operation that was carried out jointly by Somali and regional forces in areas of the Lower Jubba region targeted al-Shabaab ... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...’s main bases. The operation in areas along the river in Jamame district, …elsewhere given as Jamaame town, near River Jubba… killed more than 30 members of the al-Shabaab, according to a statement issued by the Federal Government of Somalia.The government forces with the help of Jubaland Darwish forces have increased the operations targeting the al-Shabaab group in the past few days, according to the reports. On the other hand, the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab group has issued a statement claiming victory in the war that took place in several areas in the southern Lower Jubba region. The Ministry of Defense said SNA’s Danab forces conducted on Saturday a successful operation in Bar Sanguuni, Lower Juba, neutralizing 19 and capturing 9 al-Shabaab bully boys. The operation, which disrupted enemy supply lines, also resulted in the confiscation of weapons and the removal of mines, advancing the ongoing battle against terrorism. Besides military operations, the government has also invested in tracking and locating the group's sources of funding, including closing down 250 bank accounts and 70 mobile money transfer firms, which are linked to funding the krazed killers. Also, the government has closed down websites and social media groups that are linked to Alshabab krazed killers. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintains that by December 2024, the group would have made significant losses in the country as the Somali National Army took over security responsibilities. Related: Lower Jubba: 2024-02-15 Somalia: Fresh airstrike leaves several Al-Shabaab fighters dead Lower Jubba: 2024-02-14 Somalia: Fresh airstrike leaves several Al-Shabaab fighters dead Lower Jubba: 2024-02-12 At least 27 militants killed in army attack on Al-Shabaab base Related: Jamame: 2024-02-15 Somalia: Fresh airstrike leaves several Al-Shabaab fighters dead Jamame: 2024-02-14 Somalia: Fresh airstrike leaves several Al-Shabaab fighters dead Jamame: 2021-10-07 Al-Shabaab executes two men by firing squad in southern Somalia Related: Darwish: 2024-02-22 Taliban execute two murderers by machine-gunning them through the spine in front of thousands of spectators at football stadium Darwish: 2024-01-15 Three members of MK Ahmad Tibi’s extended family killed in Gaza bombing Darwish: 2023-12-28 Southwest State security forces foil car bomb attack in Baidoa city |
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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia inks MoU with US for the building of five military bases |
| 2024-02-17 |
| [ShabelleMedia] In a ceremony presided over by President Hassan Sheikh, the United States and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of five military bases for the Somali National Army (SNA) Danab Brigade. The bases will be built in locations across the federal member states, namely Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Jowhar, Kismayo ...a port city in the southern Lower Juba province of Somalia, at the extreme southern end of the country (always assuming Somalia can be called a country). It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region.... , and Mogadishu. The President hailed the support as a ’significant contribution to the Government’s efforts to build an effective national army capable of taking over security responsibilities and countering the threat of international terrorism in the country.’ The President also underscored the critical Somalia-U.S. cooperation in the development of the security sector, adding that ’U.S. investments in the SNA/Danab have borne fruit, nurturing a formidable strike force that spearheads Somali Security Forces’ offensives against Al-Shabaab ... an Islamic infestation centering on Somalia attempting to metastasize into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and similar places, all ofwhich have enough problems without them...Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, was also present to witness the signing of the MoU. |
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| Africa Horn |
| 2 Al-Shabaab fighters surrender to Somali government |
| 2024-01-06 |
| 02/01/2024 [ShabelleMedia] Two Al-Shabaab ... the personification of Somali state failure...fighters have surrendered to the government forces of Somalia in the Bakool region as the war on the group enters its second phase. Mohammed Ibrahim, 22, and Aden Isak, 21, defected from al-Shabaab after making contacts before surrendering to Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA]. They will be taken for rehabilitation at a rehab center in Baidoa or Mogadishu, per reports. NISA officials in the Bakool region urged the group fighters intending to benefit from the government’s amnesty to follow suit, saying they would welcome defecting from the Al-Shabaab. The defection comes as the fighting between the Somali National Army [SNA] and the local clan fighters intensified the fight against al-Shabaab on several fronts mainly in south-central Somalia. Despite defeats, the gunnies still control huge swathes of rural areas where they conduct ambushes and plant landmines targeting the military convoy of the SNA and AU troops. |
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| 2023-12-28 | ||||||||||||||
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| Africa Horn |
| Southwest State security forces foil car bomb attack in Baidoa city |
| 2023-12-28 |
| [ShabelleMedia] The security forces of Somalia’s Southwest regional state carried out an operation in the vicinity of the strategic city of Baidoa following a tip-off from residents. The hawk-eyed Darwish forces ...the latest version of cow-eyed Hera or rosy-fingered Dawn, or the many wonders that pop up from Fred’s auto-translator... managed to seize an exploding car while en route to Baidoa to conduct a suicide kaboom in the interim capital of Southwest State.Southwest State’s Intelligence Agency said in a statement that the operation came after receiving information about the al-Shabaab ... the personification of Somali state failure...attack plot on the outskirts of the town. The authorities beefed up security in Baidoa after al-Shabaab fighters came around the city and imposed a blockade that impacted the businesses and caused skyrocketing inflation. Somali President Hassan Sheikh said Southwest State will be among the regions, where the SNA will carry out an operation as part of the planned 2nd phase of the military offensive. Since last year, the Somali government forces along with local community fighters pushed al-Shabaab out of dozens of areas and towns in Galmudug ...a semiautonomous region in central Somalia, bordering Puntland on the north. Galmudug is not trying to obtain international recognition as a separate nation, but rather considers itself autonomous within the larger Somali federalism, for what that's worth... and HirShabelle states. Despite losing ground, the al-Qaeda-linked group continues to stage attacks in the country and neighboring countries, including Kenya, which contributed troops to the AU mission. |
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| Africa Horn | |
| Somali Govt confirms top Al-Shabab commander killed in US airstrike | |
| 2023-12-23 | |
| [ShabelleMedia] Somali government has reported that a senior al-Shabaab ... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord... commander involved in the hard boy group’s attacks in Somalia and Kenya was killed in a U.S.  ...KABOOM!... Sunday near the city of Jilib. The government said the operation that led to the killing of Maalim Ayman was the result of collaboration between the Somali Armed Forces and U.S. military. "His killing is a thorn removed from the Somali people," said a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry of Information. The U.S. military command in Africa, AFRICOM, confirmed that the strike near Jilib killed one al-Shabaab hard boy and said there were no civilian casualties. "This is another step to defeat the terrorist group that undermines Somalia’s peace and development," AFRICOM said in a statement without identifying the dear departed hard boy by name. "U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security," the statement said. Al-Shabaab has not commented on the reported killing. Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program offered a reward of up to $10 million ...goodness, that’s an awful lot of the green stuff... "for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of Maalim Ayman or any individual who committed, attempted or conspired to commit, or aided or abetted in the commission of the January 5, 2020, terrorist attack on U.S. and Kenyan personnel at the Manda Bay Airfield in Kenya."The U.S. accused Ayman of being responsible for preparing the Manda Bay Airfield attack, which killed a U.S. soldier and two U.S. Defense Department contractors. It maimed two other U.S. service members and a third Defense contractor. The Manda Bay Airfield is part of a Kenyan Defense Forces military base used by U.S. armed forces to provide training and counterterrorism support to East African partners, respond to crises and protect U.S. interests in the region, according to the State Department. The U.S. identified Ayman as the leader of Jaish Ayman, an al-Shabaab unit that conducts terrorist attacks and operations in Kenya and Somalia. Jaish Ayman (Army of Ayman) includes foreign murderous Moslems recruited by al-Shabaab largely from East Africa. Al-Shabaab grabbed credit for the Manda Bay attack and published purported video of the group’s emir, Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, personally meeting the attackers before the operation. The al-Shabaab video claimed the attackers included a 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... i, an Æthiopian, a Tanzanian and Somalis. Al-Shabaab identified Manda Bay attackers: Moulana Faruq Moulana, Ahmed al-Muhajir, Cmdr (Yemen), Abubakar al-Muhajir (Tanzania), Ali Muhammad Ali, Qudama al-Muhajir (Æthiopia), and Abdulwali Muhammad Ibrahim "Moallim Omar" & Adam Iman Yusuf, Abdulkareem (both Somalis). Ayman is the second al-Shabaab commander connected to the Manda Bay attack who has been killed in a U.S. strike. In March 2020, the U.S. reported an operation that it said had killed Bashir Qoorgaab, who was linked to the planning of the operation. A U.S. airstrike in May injured the head of al-Shabaab’s external operations, Osman Mohammed Abdi, known as Moallim Osman.
Throughout his hideout, Moalim Ayman had a $10 million bounty on his head, with the US and Somali forces activating search across the country. The attack in coastal Kenya was mostly organized by several foreigners, some of whom are on the run in Somalia. Related: Jilib: 2023-10-14 Al-Shabaab bases raided in Somalia and Kenya Jilib: 2023-10-13 Somalia: Internal divisions rock Al-Shabaab - defense ministry Jilib: 2023-09-12 Al-Shabaab leader arrested at Baidoa airport after a tip-off. Related: Maalim Ayman: 2023-01-06 US offers reward for Shabaab militant over Kenya attack Maalim Ayman: 2022-07-05 Al-Shabaab militants killed in Kenya as the country heads to election next month Maalim Ayman: 2022-03-13 Al-Shabaab kills construction workers in Kenya | |
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