Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Africa Horn

Two Men Found Guilty of Financing 2019 Al-Shabaab hotel Attack in Kenya

2025-05-24

[Garowe] A court in Kenya has found two men guilty of aiding an 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...
attack in Kenya that left 21 people dead in 2019, with the Kahawa Law Courts linking them directly with the prime perpetrators following evidence tabled before the judge.

The two, Hussein Mohammed Abdille Ali and Mohammed Abdi Ali, who were earlier found to have a case to answer, appeared before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, who found them guilty on all charges except one, of conspiring to commit a terrorist act contrary to the law.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Hussein was found guilty of facilitating the gunnies through the payment of $6500 to one of the killers who died instantly after the attack.

"The court found that he had facilitated the attack by transferring a total of Ksh.. 836,900 (6500) via M-Pesa to Ali Salim Gichunge, also known as Farouk or Erick Kinyanjui Munyi — the dear departed attacker and a member of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group," stated the ODPP.

"These transactions occurred between October 14, 2018, and January 12, 2019, in the Soko Mbuzi area of Mandera County."

A total of 46 witnesses were presented by the prosecution, which played an integral role in securing convictions. The team wants sentences for each count to run consecutively rather than concurrently.

The court ordered the preparation of a probation report within 21 days, to be submitted by June 17, 2025. The matter was scheduled for a sentencing hearing on June 19, 2025. This is a major breakthrough in the fight against al-Shabaab.

In the recent hearing of the case, the first accused, Mire Abdulahi, previously entered a plea bargain with the prosecution and was duly convicted and sentenced. The court on January 21st found that the two suspects had a case to answer.

During the trial in January, Lady Justice Kavedza in her ruling said, "Having considered the evidence of 55 witnesses, including expert testimonies, and the material presented before me, I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the two accused persons. I hereby place the second accused, Hussein Mohammed Abdile, and the third accused, Mohammed Abdi Ali, on their defence."

Shabelle Media adds:

Two Kenyan men charged with facilitating the 2019 attack on a luxury hotel complex that left 21 people dead were found guilty on Thursday and will be sentenced next month.

Judge Diana Kavedza, while sitting in a court in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, ruled that the prosecution had proved that Hussein Mohamed Abdille Ali and Mohamed Abdi Ali sent money and helped acquire fake identification documents for the militants who died during the DusitD2 hotel complex attack.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack,

Link

Syria-Lebanon-Iran

Syria Finds Investor for Tartus Port After Rejecting Agreement with Russia

2025-05-17

Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited.

[Regnum] The Syrian Seaports and Land Border Crossings Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai-based port operator DP World on an $800 million investment in the port of Tartus. Prior to this, Damascus terminated the port management agreement with Russia.

“The memorandum implies comprehensive investments in the development, management and operation of a multi-purpose terminal in the port of Tartus, which will improve the port’s efficiency,” RIA Novosti reported on May 16.

It also noted that the Syrian Border Guard and DP World will cooperate to establish industrial zones, free economic zones, dry ports and transit terminals in strategic areas of Syria.

As reported by the Regnum news agency, armed opposition groups entered Damascus in December 2024. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad resigned and flew to Russia with his family, where they were granted political asylum. Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Bogdanov said that Moscow expects to maintain military bases in Syria, as they play an important role in the fight against international terrorism.

In January 2025, Tartus Customs Director Riyad Judi announced that the new Syrian authorities had terminated the contract for the modernization of the port, signed with a Russian company in 2019, and annulled all agreements. The contract was concluded for 49 years. It envisaged investments in the port in the amount of $500 million and the transfer of its management to the Russian side.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said in April that Russia was interested in establishing relations with the new Syrian authorities. Moscow also maintains contacts with all players in the region.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Forces, Militias Advance on Aboorey Amid Clashes with Al-Shabaab

2025-04-24

[ShabelleMedia] Somali Federal Government troops, supported by Macawisley militias, are advancing towards Aboorey in the Hiraan region, about 20 kilometers from Buulo-Burde. The town has been under al-Shabaab

... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
control for the past two weeks.

The joint forces are reportedly conducting operations on Aboorey’s outskirts, with escalating concerns over potential direct festivities with al-Shabaab. Recent weeks have seen heavy fighting between Somali troops and murderous Moslems, including a retreat by government forces following an al-Shabaab assault on their base in Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle.

The renewed operations aim to prevent al-Shabaab from advancing towards Mokoqori and Buulo-Burde, further strengthening efforts to reclaim territory in the Hiraan region.

Multiple Sources told Radio Shabelle that operations will continue as part of a larger campaign to oust al-Shabaab from the region.

The goal is to regain control of Aboorey and nearby Yosooman, restoring stability and weakening al-Shabaab’s influence in the area. However,
if you can't say something nice about a person some juicy gossip will go well...
tensions remain high, with the possibility of renewed festivities in the coming days.

Link

Africa Horn

''Some days Al Shabab group defeats us, some days we defeat them — that doesn't mean we've failed,' says President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

2025-04-18

[X]

"Some days Al Shabab group defeats us, some days we defeat them — that doesn’t mean we’ve failed,” says President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, after Al Shabab recaptured Aden Yabal town in Middle Shabelle region, about 245km north of Mogadishu. pic.twitter.com/zkiBgFuR8Z
— Shabelle Media Network (@ShabelleMedia) April 16, 2025

It’s been busy at Adan Yabaal:

Al-Shabaab Captures Key Somali Town in Bold Offensive
[ShabelleMedia] Al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
bully boyz seized the strategically vital town of Adan Yabaal in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region on Wednesday, launching a pre-dawn assault that overwhelmed government forces and marked the group’s most significant territorial gain since a major Somali offensive began in mid-2022.

The attack commenced at dawn, with holy warriors striking from multiple directions, triggering fierce festivities with Somali troops and local clan militias, security sources and eyewitnesses said. Intense gunfire persisted for hours, though disrupted communications have obscured precise casualty counts.

Situated 245 km north of Mogadishu, Adan Yabaal has been a cornerstone of Somali military operations since its recapture from al-Shabaab in December 2022. The town’s loss underscores the turbans’ enduring capacity to challenge government control.

Al-Shabaab’s media arm claimed dominance over the town and its environs, a claim yet to be independently confirmed. Two security officials verified that government forces and allied militias withdrew under relentless turban pressure.

After Al-Shabaab take-over, U.S. military strikes Somalia town
[Garowe] US Africa Command has responded to Wednesday's Al-Shabaab control of the strategic Adan Yabaal town by waging an airstrike, in yet another significant showcase of solidarity with the Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers who had lost the battle.

The takeover of the village was possible due to heavy rains, experts said, noting that it was almost impossible for the military and allies to conduct aerial surveillance before the attack. The militants took advantage and ambushed the troops.

But on Thursday, the US Africa Command is said to have initiated an airstrike killing at least 12 militants instantly in the town within the precarious Middle Shabelle region, which is facing a major threat of Al-Shabaab dominance.

The Somali government said Thursday the airstrike hit a site used by the militants for gathering and as a hideout. Senior Al-Shabaab members were killed, but their names are not yet public, with the US Africa Command still doing due diligence.

However, no civilian casualties were reported, the government of Somalia said. The takeover of Adan Yabaal was preceded by another catastrophic blow to the local military after losing Aboorey village within Middle Shabelle.

Link

Africa Horn

Al Shabab claims to have seized Masjid Ali Gadud town in Middle Shabelle region, killing 11 soldiers, capturing five

2025-03-27

[PUBLISH.TWITTER]

UPDATE: Al Shabab claims to have seized Masjid Ali Gadud town in Middle Shabelle region, killing 11 soldiers, capturing five, and seizing weapons. The group intensified pre-dawn attacks despite President @HassanSMohamud's recent visits to frontline areas in the region. pic.twitter.com/4PV6MXK7ZQ
— Abdirisak Tuuryare (@Tuuryare_Africa) March 26, 2025

Al-Shabaab Militants Expand Presence in Middle Shabelle Region

[ShabelleMedia] Al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
gunnies have reportedly reinforced their presence in several areas of the Middle Shabelle region, advancing towards the key towns of Jowhar and Balcad.

Local sources say that heavily armed fighters from the group have entered the region, patrolling roads and establishing new checkpoints. The areas affected include the stretch between Jowhar and Balcad, as well as the zone between Qalimoow and Balcad, and Qalimoow and Jowhar.

The gunnies are also said to have expanded their control into the western part of the Middle Shabelle region, particularly near the town of Afgooye in Lower Shabelle, an area that had previously been cleared of al-Shabaab fighters.

Despite some territories being under the group’s control in recent months, reports indicate that al-Shabaab has extended its influence, regaining areas previously freed by Somali forces.

In response, the Somali government has deployed additional military units to the region, with troops from various branches of the armed forces now stationed in the area. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly set up a command post in the town of Cadakke to oversee operations against the bad boys.

Meanwhile,
...back at the Council of Boskone, Helmuth ordered the space pirate fleet to attack Zemblonia...
~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s by Somali military aircraft have intensified in recent days, targeting al-Shabaab strongholds in a bid to weaken their grip on the region.

The situation in Middle Shabelle remains volatile, with frequent festivities between Somali security forces and al-Shabaab bad boys. The government is reportedly ramping up its efforts to push the gunnies out of the region once and for all.

Link

Africa Horn

Al-Shabaab Attacks Security Base in Waajid, Somali Forces Capture Key Operative

2025-03-23

[ShabelleMedia] Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on a security outpost manned by South West State forces in Waajid, a district in Somalia’s Bakool region, leading to a brief but intense clash, authorities said Friday.

The firefight, which lasted for an extended period, saw both sides exchange heavy gunfire. However, South West State officials reported that their forces successfully repelled the attackers, capturing several militants and confiscating weapons.

In an official statement, South West State authorities confirmed the arrest of a key Al-Shabaab media operative, identified as Abdullahi Ahmed Mohamed (also known as Abdiasis). The suspect, who was reportedly filming the attack, has been detained in Waajid prison, where he is undergoing interrogation. Security forces also seized his recording equipment.

Additionally, local security forces said they had discovered and neutralized multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by Al-Shabaab operatives. The explosives were found near Waajid’s airport and along a key road connecting the town to the airstrip.

Authorities in Waajid have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security and preventing further attacks by Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for years.

Link

Israel-Palestine-Jordan

Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza tonight, launching extensive airstrikes

2025-03-18

[PUBLISH.TWITTER]

Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza tonight, launching extensive airstrikes that have killed over 200 Palestinians.

Dozens of civilians, including children, were killed.

Trump gave Netanyahu the green light to continue attacks. pic.twitter.com/hNz4NREbHW
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 18, 2025

Abu Ubaidah Mohammed al-Jamaji, a member of the Hamas political bureau, was killed in an Israeli raid in the Gaza Strip, according to local reports. pic.twitter.com/qjlFvx7nYP
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 18, 2025

Israeli attack ‘death sentence’ for captives, says Hamas official
[GEO.TV] Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas
Hamas

..a regional Iranian catspaw,...
's political bureau, says Israel is sacrificing the lives of its remaining captives in Paleostine, reported Al Jazeera.

''Netanyahu's decision to return to war is a decision to sacrifice the prisoners of the occupation and a death sentence
...the barbaric practice of sentencing a murderer to be punished for as long as his/her/its victim is dead...
against them,'' al-Risheq said in a statement shared by CNN
...formerly the Cable News Network, now who know what it might stand for...

Link

Africa Horn

Somali forces conduct security operation outside the capital

2025-03-16

[ShabelleMedia] Somali security forces, including intelligence and police units, carried out a security operation overnight in Elasha Biyaha, a town on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu, officials said Sunday.

Senior officers leading the operation inspected businesses near the main road and urged residents to cooperate with security forces operating in the area.

The security deployment came after reports emerged earlier in the evening suggesting that Al-Shabaab militants had entered Elasha Biyaha, though no incidents of violence were reported.

The presence of the militant group in the area highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities. On Saturday, Al-Shabaab launched multiple attacks in the Lower Shabelle region, targeting the towns of Xaawo Cabdi and Awdheegle, where heavy fighting resulted in casualties.

The militant group has intensified its attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, aiming to reclaim lost territory and increase pressure on Mogadishu, where the Somali government is based.

Al-Shabaab Attacks Village Outside Somali Capital Saturday

[ShabelleMedia] The security situation in the Xaawo Cabdi area near the capital of Somalia has rapidly deteriorated following an attack by the militant group Al-Shabaab this morning, causing significant casualties.

The brief but intense conflict began with explosions, followed by direct clashes between Al-Shabaab fighters and Somali forces, resulting in various injuries and damages.

Eyewitnesses told Shabelle Media Network that the militants entered Xaawo Cabdi, a region located between Lafoole and Ceelasha Biyaha in the Lower Shabelle region.

In response, the Somali government deployed helicopters to carry out airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab fighters in the area.

Al-Shabaab has recently increased its attacks in the Middle Shabelle region, shifting its focus to the Lower Shabelle, escalating violence in the region.

Earlier today, Al-Shabaab also carried out a suicide bombing targeting the Somali National Army’s headquarters in Awdheegle District.

The exact number of casualties from the bombing remains unclear, and officials are awaiting further updates from the Somali government.

Link

Africa Horn

Explosion and Gun Attack Target Anti-Al-Shabaab Meeting In Beledweyne

2025-03-11

[ShabelleMedia] This morning, an explosion struck a house in Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiran region, where government officials, leading traditional elders, and other military officers were having a meeting on the Al-Shabaab war.

According to eyewitnesses, a vehicle laden with explosives targeted the front gate of the house, located in the Howlwadaag neighborhood. This was followed by a direct assault by armed militants who breached the building.

Government forces engaged in fierce fighting with the attackers, who, after entering the building, began shooting those inside. The house was reportedly hosting a meeting about the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab militants in the region.

The attendees were primarily elders and military officials.

The meeting focused on efforts to combat Al-Shabaab in Hiran, with the Macwisley militia and Somali government forces recently resuming operations in the region after a months-long lull.

Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Link

Africa Horn

Ethiopian Troops Mass Near Somalia Border to Counter Al-Shabaab Offensive

2025-03-10

[ShabelleMedia] A significant contingent of Æthiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops have been stationed near the border town of Ferfer, close to Æthiopia’s frontier with Somalia, military sources reported Saturday.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions as the troops prepare to support operations against an ongoing al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
offensive in Somalia’s Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions.

The murderous Moslem group al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, has intensified attacks in central Somalia in recent weeks, prompting concerns over regional security.

Æthiopian forces, which have a history of involvement in Somalia to combat the insurgency, are expected to bolster Somali National Army efforts in the affected areas.

The strategic positioning near Ferfer suggests a potential cross-border operation to stem the murderous Moslems’ advance.

Æthiopian officials have not yet commented on the scale or timeline of the deployment. The move follows reports of al-Shabaab recapturing territory in Middle Shabelle, reversing earlier gains by Somali government forces.

Regional analysts say Æthiopia’s involvement could be critical in stabilizing the volatile Hiran and Middle Shabelle provinces, though it may also heighten tensions with Somalia amid ongoing diplomatic disputes.

The situation remains fluid, with further developments anticipated as Æthiopian troops mobilize to address the growing threat.

Link

Good Morning

2025-03-04

Head of FBI field office in New York *resigns* after the Department of Justice accused his office of hiding thousands of Epstein documents.

Tuesday 03/04/2025

Israeli forces reportedly operating some 13 KMs from border in Syria's Daraa province

Anne Lee Patterson

-Land of the Free Pentagon Deploys Mechanized Infantry And Air Support To Secure Mexico Border, Including Team Of 4,400 Soldiers		Africa Horn Somali Military Kills 40 Al-Shabab Militants in Operation in Hirshabelle
-Lurid Crime Tales- Two Human Trafficking Leaders arrested for smuggling 20,000 migrants into US		Afghanistan Clashes Erupt Between Islamic Emirate, Pakistani Forces at Torkham: 1 Afghan dead
Israel-Palestine-Jordan IDF Probes Oct. 7: More notes on what happened that day		Israel-Palestine-Jordan Israel carrying out mine-clearing operation near Syria border

Scientists warn of magnetic storm on Earth on March 4 and 5

Link

Africa Horn

Mogadishu’s Folly: A Reckless Attack on Jubaland Threatens Somalia’s Fragile Peace

2024-12-16

Opinionating about what they’ve been doing in Somalia while our attention was on Israel, Syria, and domestic American politics:

[Garowe] The recent military offensive in Raskamboni, where the Somali National Army clashed with Jubaland forces, stands as a glaring misstep in the federal government’s handling of Somalia’s delicate political fabric. This ill-advised confrontation not only highlights the growing divide between Mogadishu and the federal member states but also jeopardizes the tenuous stability that Somalia has painstakingly built over the years.

The roots of this conflict lie in a deepening mistrust between the federal government and its federal member states. At the heart of the disagreement is President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s insistence on implementing a universal suffrage model for Somalia’s elections—a move vehemently opposed by federal member states like Jubaland and 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...
. These states have voiced legitimate concerns that such a model could pave the way for unconstitutional term extensions and a dangerous centralization of power in Mogadishu. The federal government’s refusal to acknowledge the autonomy of these federal member states has only exacerbated tensions, further eroding trust.

The situation in Jubaland is particularly telling. Ahmed Madobe, Jubaland’s leader, has long been at odds with Mogadishu’s policies, especially after securing a third term in an election that the federal government deemed illegitimate. Mogadishu’s deployment of elite GorGor troops to Jubaland territory under the pretext of assuming 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 bases has been widely interpreted as a veiled attempt to undermine Madobe’s authority. For Jubaland, this was not about security or collaboration—it was a direct challenge to their autonomy as a federal member state. The subsequent military defeat of the Somali National Army, which saw hundreds of its soldiers surrender and seek refuge across the Kenyan border, marked a humiliating failure for the federal government’s strategy.

The fallout from this reckless assault is immense. Trust between Mogadishu and the federal member states has been severely damaged, with Jubaland’s defiance likely to embolden other states to resist federal overreach. This growing resentment risks pushing Somalia closer to fragmentation, as federal member states increasingly view the government not as a partner but as an aggressor intent on undermining their autonomy. Meanwhile,
...back at the wine tasting, Vince was about to start on his third quart...
the conflict has created an opening for al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
, diverting critical resources and attention away from the fight against the murderous Moslems. As Somalia’s primary security threat, al-Shabaab is poised to exploit this vacuum, further destabilizing the country.

The international response to this crisis has been one of alarm. Somalia’s key partners, including the United States, have condemned the violence and urged dialogue between the federal government and its federal member states. However,
there's more than one way to skin a cat...
Mogadishu’s apparent disregard for the principles of federalism risks alienating its allies, potentially jeopardizing the foreign aid and international support that Somalia desperately needs. Domestically, the political fallout has been equally severe. The defeat in Raskamboni has weakened the Somali National Army, exposing its vulnerabilities and undermining its morale. The political polarization stemming from this crisis has further paralyzed efforts to address critical issues such as drought, famine, and poverty.

Mogadishu’s decision to resort to force against Jubaland has backfired spectacularly. Instead of consolidating its authority, the federal government has only deepened divisions and fueled resistance among federal member states. This strategy of confrontation is not sustainable. Somalia’s future depends on a governance model that respects the autonomy of its federal member states while fostering collaboration and unity. The federal government must abandon its combative approach and prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should urgently convene a national forum with the leaders of all federal member states to address their grievances and reaffirm the principles of federalism enshrined in Somalia’s provisional constitution.

Somalia stands at a crossroads. The path chosen now will determine whether the country continues its slow march toward stability or slides back into the chaos of the past. Respecting the autonomy of federal member states and fostering a spirit of cooperation are not just political necessities—they are the keys to ensuring Somalia’s survival as a united and peaceful nation. The lessons of Raskamboni must not be ignored. Failure to act decisively and wisely risks undoing decades of progress, leaving the Somali people to pay the price for their leaders’ misjudgments.

Link

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