Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Shabo Shabab

al-Qaeda in Iraq

Europe

20040424

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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

Six Police Officers Killed In Suspected Al-Shabab Attack In North-East Kenya - Arise News

2025-03-25

[ARISE.TV] Six coppers have been killed in an ambush on a security base in north-east Kenya near the Somali border, a regional official has confirmed.

Garissa County Commissioner Mohammed Mwabudzo said the attack, which occurred at 05:30 local time (02:30 GMT) on Sunday, bore the hallmarks of Somali-based Islamist bad boy group al-Shabaab

... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
. The officers were preparing for their morning prayers when the assailants struck.

In addition to the six fatalities, four other officers sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment. The attack targeted a camp housing reservists—local volunteers who assist the regular police in securing remote areas.

Mwabudzo described the assault as a ''guerrilla-style'' raid, consistent with al-Shabaab's repeated cross-border incursions aimed at destabilising the region. ''The suspected militia used assorted weapons to overrun the camp,'' he added.

While no group has officially grabbed credit, al-Shabaab has a history of launching deadly attacks in Kenya, targeting both security forces and civilians. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group controls large parts of southern and central Somalia and has been engaged in a ~~violent~~ mostly peaceful insurgency against Somalia's government for nearly two decades.

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

-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-

Odds of the ''city-killing'' YR4 asteroid hitting Earth are up

2025-02-19

[NYPOST] NASA just increased the odds that ''city-killer'' asteroid YR4 2024 will strike our planet in 2032.

The space agency claimed that the dangerous space rock now has a 1-in-38, or 2.6%, chance of hitting home — the highest probability of a collision yet, New Scientist has reported.

When the asteroid was initially discovered in December 2024, the odds of a strike clocked in at 1-in-83, before increasing to 1-in-67, to 1-in-53, to 1-in-43 and now, the current frightening figure. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency's odds are slightly lower at around 2.4%.

Since late January, NASA has designated YR4 a level three on the Torino Scale — a standard rubric for the danger of NEOs (Near Earth Objects) that measure over 65 feet in diameter and have a 1% or greater chance of deep impact.

According to the scale, this asteroid is a ''close encounter, meriting attention by astronomers'' and boasts a ''1% or greater chance of collision capable of localized destruction.''

If Earth were to get rocked by YR4 — which measures between 131 and 295 feet in diameter — the resultant energy blast would be equivalent to 8 megatons of TNT, roughly 500 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, the Independent reported.

Link

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