Recent Appearances...

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Hello !
Recent Appearances...

Abdullahi Ali Afrah	Abdullahi Ali Afrah	Council of Islamic Courts	Africa Horn	Somali			20060625	Link
Sheikh Muhiddeen Abdullahi	Sheikh Muhiddeen Abdullahi	Almuntada al-Islami Trust	Africa Subsaharan				20040226

Africa Subsaharan

Nigeria snubbed at White House summit, opposition blames Tinubu

2025-07-10

[AFRICANEWS] Nigeria's opposition alliance blamed President Bola Tinubu for not being invited to the African summit in the White House on Wednesday, according to a statement by the opposition's Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

The newly formed opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stated that Nigeria's absence from the meeting constituted a ''damning international indictment'' of the country's poor economic health and weak foreign policy under Tinubu, as reported by Nigeria's Vanguard media.

''Although we are Africa's largest economy, with the largest consumer market and the continent's most influential diaspora, the United States chose to bypass us in favour of nations which combined GDP is only a fraction of ours,'' Abdullahi said in the statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump
...dictatorial for repealing some (but not all) of the diktats of his predecessor, misogynistic because he likes pretty girls, homophobic because he doesn't think gender bending should be mandatory, truly a man for all seasons...
will meet with the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal
... a nation of about 14 million on the west coast of Africa bordering Mauretania to the north, Mali to the east, and a pair of Guineas to the south, one of them Bissau. It is 90 percent Mohammedan and has more than 80 political parties. Its primary purpose seems to be absorbing refugees...
in Washington from July 9 to 11.

Trade, investment and security will be the key topics for the summit as the Trump administration pivots to a 'trade not aid' development strategy in Africa.

It is unclear why Trump chose to invite the five relatively small West African states, but the day before the summit was announced, U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio

...The diminutive 13-year-old Republican U.S. Senator from Florida, Secretary of State in the second Trump administration...
said that American engagement in Africa would favour nations'' that have demonstrated both the ability and willingness to help themselves''.

As the largest economy and most populous country in West Africa, Nigeria's exclusion from Wednesday's meeting is noteworthy.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S and Nigeria have worsened in recent weeks culminating on Sunday when Trump on Truth Social announced an additional 10% tariff on Nigeria and other countries aligned with BRICS. In the post, the President criticised BRICS policies for being 'anti-American'.

In January, Nigeria joined the alliance of emerging economies as an official partner country. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil earlier this week, President Tinubu called for ''a reevaluation of the current global governance structure'', in an assumed jab at the U.S.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi warned that the new BRICS tariff against Nigeria was evidence that the country's global reputation was slipping, noting that a few years ago, it would have been unthinkable that a meeting like Wednesday's would be held without Nigeria.

''It shows just how far our global standing has declined under this administration,'' he said.

Link

Africa Horn

People Return to Sabiid and Caanoole as Somali Forces Secure Areas

2025-06-25

[ShabelleMedia] Stability is gradually returning to the Sabiid and Caanoole areas in Somalia’s Shabeelaha Hoose region, following their recent recapture by the Somali National Army (SNA).

Residents who fled amid fighting are reportedly beginning to return to their homes, despite significant damage to local infrastructure.

The bridge linking Sabiid and Caanoole remains destroyed after 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...
gunnies detonated explosives while retreating from the area. However,
the difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits...
locals say the damaged bridge has not deterred their return, as they make their way back to their communities peacefully.

Security in the area remains calm, with a strong presence of government forces seen patrolling the towns’ centers. Soldiers are urging residents to remain calm and continue living peacefully in their homes.

Military officials have assured civilians that the Somali National Army will maintain a permanent presence in Sabiid and Caanoole to ensure lasting security.

General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the Somali Army’s ground forces in the region, praised the troops’ successes in the fight against al-Shabaab. He said efforts are underway to reclaim all territories previously lost to bully boys, including several areas in Sabiid and Caanoole.

"Many areas that were evacuated have now been retaken, marking significant progress in our campaign against al-Shabaab in Shabeelaha Hoose," General Sahal said.

Despite the bully boys’ destruction of the vital bridge, government forces have fully reestablished control over both communities after months of bully boy occupation.

The Somali National Army’s commitment to stabilizing Shabeelaha Hoose appears strong, with ongoing efforts to restore normality and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.

Link

Africa Horn

Cleaning out Puntland’s Cal-Miskaad mountains: Puntland forces capture final hideouts of ISIS militants in Bari region

2025-06-21

18/06/2025
[ShabelleMedia] 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...
security forces have seized the last remaining hideouts of Islamic State

...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that they were al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're really very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear western pols talk they're not really Moslems....
(IS) Lions of Islam in the Baallade valley of the Calmiskaad mountains in Puntland’s Bari region, officials said Wednesday.

The forces launched a coordinated offensive from multiple directions, securing all water wells and positions previously held by fleeing IS fighters from the nearby Miraale valley, according to a statement from the Puntland regional administration.

Security sources in Puntland told local media that troops are still pursuing a small number of IS Lions of Islam who narrowly escaped the recent operation and remain in the surrounding area, monitoring the movements of Puntland forces.

The Puntland military continues efforts to secure the area and prevent Lions of Islam from regrouping or launching further attacks.

Puntland says ISIS Leader Escaped Amid Ongoing Offensive in Cal-Miskaad Mountains
16-06-2025
[Garowe] Authorities in Somalia’s northeastern Federal State of Puntland confirmed that Abdulkadir Mumin, the leader of the Islamic State (ISIS) branch in Somalia, has fled the Cal-Miskaad mountain range amid an ongoing military offensive.

The spokesperson for Operation Hillaac, Gen. Mahmoud Ahmed Faadhigo, told local media that intelligence shared by international partners revealed Mumin had escaped the area earlier, although the exact timing and method of his departure remain unclear.

“Abdulkadir Mumin is no longer in Cal-Miskaad,” Faadhigo said, noting that security forces have regained control of 98% of the mountain range, which has been a stronghold for ISIS fighters over the past six months.

While the group's top leader has reportedly escaped, his deputy, Abdirahman Faahiye Isse Mahmoud — the operational commander of ISIS in Somalia — is believed to still be hiding in the area. “We are confident our forces will soon apprehend him,” Faadhigo added.

US Military Airdrops Aid to Puntland Forces Battling ISIS in Calmiskaad Mountains
15/06/2025
[ShabelleMedia] US military aircraft have provided critical support to Puntland security forces fighting ISIS militants in the rugged Calmiskaad mountain region of Somalia’s Bari province.

Due to the difficult terrain, which is inaccessible to vehicles and lacks suitable airstrips, US warplanes have airdropped troops, supplies, and military equipment to Puntland forces actively engaged in counterterrorism operations against entrenched ISIS fighters in the area.

In addition to logistical support, US aircraft have carried out heavy airstrikes targeting ISIS bases and infrastructure in the mountainous region, significantly degrading the extremist group’s operational capabilities.

This military assistance forms part of a broader security partnership between the US and the Puntland administration aimed at dismantling ISIS networks and enhancing regional stability.

Puntland forces have been conducting intense ground operations to reclaim territory from militants who have long used the Calmiskaad mountains as a stronghold.

The operation is seen as a crucial step in curbing the threat posed by ISIS in northeastern Somalia, improving security in the Bari region and Puntland as a whole.

Puntland president says ISIS sought to turn Cal-Miskaad into global terror command center
15-06-2025
[Garowe] Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni said Sunday that ISIS-linked militants planned to turn the Cal-Miskaad mountain range into a global hub for coordinating terror activities. Still, the plan was foiled by Puntland's "heroic forces."

Speaking before the Puntland parliament, Deni said militants aimed to establish the remote mountain range in northeastern Somalia as a base for directing extremist attacks worldwide.

"The terrorists planned to make Cal-Miskaad the main base for directing heinous acts around the world, but the courageous forces of Puntland dismantled that plot,” he said.

Deni added that the fourth phase of the region’s ongoing counterterrorism operation is scheduled to begin Monday. The campaign will target remaining militant-held positions and prepare for Operation Onkod, a major offensive focused on the nearby Cal-Madaw mountains.

Puntland forces have been battling both ISIS and al-Shabab militants entrenched in rugged terrain. In December 2024, Puntland launched Operation Hilaac in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, killing several foreign fighters and reclaiming large areas from ISIS control.

Puntland Forces Capture Turkish ISIS Fighter Amid Major Anti-Terror Offensive
14-06-2025
[Garowe] The Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces have arrested a Turkish national fighting with the ISIS militants group in the northeastern state of Somalia, a significant step towards defeating the terrorists who have been on the receiving end for the last five months.

Puntland Defense Forces, working closely with the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Forces, have managed to penetrate the Cal-Miskaad mountains, a major stronghold of the ISIS terrorists since the start of the Hilaac operation in December 2024.

Photos published by the Puntland Television show a Turkish national believed to be a member of ISIS militants in the remote Cal Miskaad mountains, where a security operation is ongoing in what is currently known as Operation Lightning.

The man was reportedly carrying an AK-47 and was collecting water from a well when troops spotted him within Baalade valley, Bari region, which is a major stronghold of the ISIS terrorists, whose presence in the state has drastically waned.

It may not be a surprise because since the operation started in December 2024, many foreign nationals, especially fighters from Yemen, Morocco, Ethiopia, and even Kenya, have been either killed or captured in Puntland state.

With the intelligence reports suggesting a growing number of foreign nationals fighting alongside ISIS militants in Somalia, the regional government of Puntland instructed locals to report foreigners within key towns and market centers in the state for action.

Several foreigners were arrested following the order, with a number of them currently in police custody as investigations continue. Puntland maintains that the victory against ISIS militants is inevitable while accusing the federal government of Somalia of failing to support the troops.

The US and the United Arab Emirates have been providing aerial surveillance throughout the operations, managing to eliminate several terrorists. In February, President Donald Trump announced the death of a key ISIS fighter following an operation.

Last year, the Americans thought they had eliminated Abdulkadir Mumin, the ISIS global leader, but intelligence reports suggested otherwise. The group, however, has lost the strategic Cal-Miskaad mountains, which served as their command base.

A few days ago, the Puntland forces took control of areas along the Sadow, Cadalle, and Raa-raha valleys in Baallade (Calmiskaad) after 3 days of air and ground Operations. Several ISIS terrorists were killed, and weapons and equipment were seized, officials said.

Turkey is a major security and development partner of Somalia, and the news about its national serving alongside ISIS militants could trigger national debate. Turkey trains the elite Gorgor troops who are critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab within the southern and central regions.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has routinely worked with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on counterterrorism strategies, with Somalia being a huge beneficiary. Hassan Sheikh is under intense criticism over his approach in the fight against terror groups.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia Deepens Ties with Russia as It Distances Itself from Western Partners

2025-06-21

13/06/2025
[ShabelleMedia] Somalia has signaled a major shift in its foreign policy by strengthening diplomatic ties with Russia while distancing itself from its traditional international allies.

In a notable move, the Speaker of Somalia’s Upper House, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, paid an official visit to Moscow, where he met with the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, economy, and political affairs.

The visit comes amid Somalia’s growing discontent with the C6+ group – an informal international coalition including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, United Nations, African Union, IGAD, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sweden.

This week, the Somali government formally called for the dissolution of the group, arguing that its existence perpetuates the notion of external control over Somali affairs and undermines the country’s political sovereignty.

The twin developments mark a clear pivot in Somalia’s foreign strategy — away from long-standing Western partners and toward emerging alliances with countries such as Russia. Somali officials have characterized the new approach as one grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared interests.

While no formal agreements with Russia have yet been announced, the tone and symbolism of the high-level meetings in Moscow suggest that the Kremlin could become a key strategic partner for Mogadishu in the coming years.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia Deepens Ties with Russia as It Distances Itself from Western Partners

2025-06-14

[ShabelleMedia] Somalia has signaled a major shift in its foreign policy by strengthening diplomatic ties with Russia while distancing itself from its traditional international allies.

In a notable move, the Speaker of Somalia’s Upper House, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, paid an official visit to Moscow, where he met with the Chairman of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of security, economy, and political affairs.

The visit comes amid Somalia’s growing discontent with the C6+ group — an informal international coalition including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union

...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing...
, United Nations
...an organization originally established to war on dictatorships which was promptly infiltrated by dictatorships and is now held in thrall to dictatorships...
, 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...
, IGAD, Æthiopia, Kenya, and Sweden.

This week, the Somali government formally called for the dissolution of the group, arguing that its existence perpetuates the notion of external control over Somali affairs and undermines the country’s political illusory sovereignty.

The twin developments mark a clear pivot in Somalia’s foreign strategy — away from long-standing Western partners and toward emerging alliances with countries such as Russia. Somali officials have characterized the new approach as one grounded in mutual respect, equality, and shared interests.

While no formal agreements with Russia have yet been announced, the tone and symbolism of the high-level meetings in Moscow suggest that the Kremlin could become a key strategic partner for Mogadishu in the coming years.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia’s Intelligence Agency Faces Internal Collapse Amid Political Power Struggle

2025-05-27

[Garowe] Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) is reportedly on the brink of internal collapse, following an escalating political dispute within the federal government’s top leadership.

Reliable sources speaking to Garowe Online revealed that the agency, currently headed by Abdullahi Mohammed Ali "Sanbaloolshe," is grappling with a deepening internal crisis sparked by a failed political maneuver by Villa Somalia — the seat of the Presidency — to reinstate former director Mahad Salad to the helm of NISA.

Mahad Salad, who previously led the agency, is said to have re-engaged in direct interference with NISA’s operations after the move to remove Sanbaloolshe stalled. As a result, the agency has seen a slowdown in its day-to-day functions, with multiple senior officers reportedly refusing to take orders from the current director.

Security sources confirm that Sanbaloolshe is currently away from the capital, overseeing a military operation in the Hiraan region. His absence has allowed loyalists of Mahad Salad to quietly take over several key internal operations, further undermining the official chain of command.

The growing division within NISA came to the fore recently when a group of journalists were briefly detained in Mogadishu. According to multiple reports, the arrest was carried out without the knowledge or approval of Director Sanbaloolshe, allegedly on orders from officers aligned with Mahad Salad.

Over the past several years, NISA has increasingly become politicized, with its leadership consistently aligned with Villa Somalia. Since 2017, most of the agency’s directors have been political allies of the presidency, a trend critics say has eroded its neutrality and professionalism in national security matters.

Analysts warn that if the current internal rift remains unresolved, it could severely compromise Somalia’s security operations and lead to a full-blown institutional split within NISA — a development that would carry serious national security implications.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Forces Kill Senior Al-Shabaab Leader in Operation, says NISA

2025-05-22

[ShabelleMedia] Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on Sunday that its elite forces, Gaashaan, killed a senior al-Shabaab
... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
commander during a planned operation late Saturday night.

The statement, which did not disclose the name of the slain leader, confirmed that the operation took place in the Sabiid area of the Lower Shabelle region. The report also stated that the entire security detail protecting the leader was killed in the raid.

"NISA forces, who had closely monitored the movements of the leader, conducted the operation after confirming intelligence about his location. All militia members assigned to protect him were also eliminated at the scene," the statement read.

In addition to this operation, NISA reported that ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s carried out in the Ceel Hareeri area of Hiran region from Saturday to Sunday had killed 46 individuals, including both senior commanders and fighters belonging to al-Shabaab.

The operations come as NISA’s Director, Abdullahi Mohammed Ali Sambaloolshe, has been on the frontlines in the Hiran region for the past two days, overseeing the ongoing military actions in the area.

Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-linked group, has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, frequently carrying out deadly attacks using a range of tactics, including mortar shelling in the capital, Mogadishu.

Link

Africa Horn

Puntland Launches Major Offensive Against ISIS in Cal-Miskaad Mountains

2025-05-21

[ShabelleMedia] 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 forces have launched a major military operation targeting ISIS turbans hiding in the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountain range in northeastern Somalia, officials said on Tuesday.

The offensive, described as intense and ongoing, aims to dislodge the group from strategic positions it has used for years as a base of operations. Security sources report that Puntland forces have already regained control of several key areas previously held by the bad boys.

Among those killed in the recent fighting is Ahmed Muse Said, a senior ISIS figure responsible for coordinating the arrival of imported muscle into Somalia, according to local officials.

"The operation is still underway and is focused on eliminating ISIS presence in the remote mountainous areas where they continue to hide," said Abdifatah Abdinuur, Minister of State at the Puntland Presidency. "We are making significant progress and will not stop until they are fully defeated."

Puntland has been engaged in a sustained campaign against ISIS elements operating in the region, particularly in Bari province. While the group remains significantly smaller than al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
, it has continued to pose a threat through ambushes and assassinations.

The Puntland Defense Forces have steadily advanced in recent days, pushing ISIS fighters further into retreat. Officials say the group has lost several of its key hideouts and is on the defensive.

The offensive marks the latest phase in Puntland’s broader security effort to ensure stability in the region and dismantle holy warrior networks.

Fresh details emerge about ISIS militant killed in Puntland

[Garowe] Ahmed Muse Said, the ISIS militants coordinator killed in Cal-Miskaad mountains, Tuesday, was a well-connected individual who was also well-travelled across the world, thus his links with several foreign fighters in Puntland state.

When Operation Lightning started late last year, Puntland forces, along with foreign military teams, established that most of the fighters are 'imported' from foreign countries, with their passports recovered in various caves which have been seized.

And multiple sources revealed that Said, who was killed last week, frequently travelled abroad - to Ethiopia, Oman and the UAE. The three countries have close ties with Puntland, with the United Arab Emirates providing aerial surveillance throughout the campaign against ISIS.

Brigadier General Ahmed Abdullahi Sheikh, the commander of Operation Lightning, termed him a 'high-value individual (HVI)' while confirming his identity. He was one of the most sought-after terrorists.

"This operation underscores the unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional security. The successful elimination of this key figure represents a substantial blow to Daesh's operational capabilities and its ability to conduct destabilising activities," General Sheikh said.

"We commend the exceptional professionalism, dedication, and precision demonstrated by all personnel involved in the critical mission. Their efforts are a testament to the resolve in the face of terrorist threats," he added.

He said no further details of the time, date, or specific aspects of the operation will be disclosed at this time. The connection with foreign countries, specifically, could worry Puntland, which closely works with Somalia’s international partners.

Officials are keen to unearth his links to the UAE, Oman and Ethiopia, which could aid in the fight against ISIS militants. In southern regions, the federal government of Somalia, which has not come out clearly to support Puntland’s stance against ISIS, is tackling Al-Shabaab militants.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Army Brigadier General Killed in Frontline Shooting

2025-05-18

[ShabelleMedia] Somali Army’s 26th Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Abdirahman Hujale, was shot and killed on Saturday on the frontlines near Moqokori, in the Hiiraan region.

The shooting was carried out by a soldier named Abdullahi Hassan Ahmed, who was subsequently gunned down by fellow troops at the scene, according to security officials.

The bodies of both the commander and the assailant were airlifted to Mogadishu for further investigation, according to security sources, who spoke to Shabelle Radio.

This marks the second high-profile assassination of a senior military officer this year. Last month, Colonel Nur Farey was also killed near Afgoye, 30 kilometers from Somalia’s capital, in a similar attack by an individual in military uniform.

The killing of Brigadier General Hujale raises concerns about internal security within the Somali military and the potential for ongoing threats within the ranks.

The government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the killing of Commander Hujale.

Garowe adds:

His killing marks the latest in a string of high-profile assassinations of senior Somali military officers since 2022, underscoring the fragile security situation in the Horn of Africa nation.

In April, Lieutenant Colonel Nur Farey, commander of the 14th October Brigade, was killed near Afgooye town in the Lower Shabelle region. He was reportedly shot dead by a soldier while addressing troops at a local base.

Since early 2022, several top Somali military figures have been targeted in similar attacks, often in areas where government forces have been engaged in fierce battles with al Shabaab.

The deaths highlight the persistent dangers faced by Somali military leaders operating in volatile regions. Al Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the federal government for over 15 years and often targets both military personnel and civilians.

Link

Africa Horn

US places $10 million bounty on Al-Shabaab fighter linked to Manda Bay raid

2025-05-11

[Garowe] In what could significantly impact the fight against al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
snuffies in East Africa, the US government has placed a $10 million bounty on Abdullahi Banati, a suspected al-Shabaab murderous Moslem allegedly behind the Manda Bay terror attack.

The 2020 terror attack, which took the lives of three US citizens, including a serviceman, was the first major attack by the snuffies on a US base within East Africa, leading to an endless search for attackers.

The Department of State Rewards for Justice (RFJ), which was established in 1984 to combat international terrorism, has asked anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of Abdullahi to come forward with the information for quick action.

"Two DoD contractor pilots, both US citizens, were killed when their military aircraft was hit by RPGs on the tarmac of the airfield. A third DoD contractor, also a US citizen, survived the earth-shattering kaboom with serious injuries," reads the RFJ's U.S. Army specialist.

A Kenyan soldier was also maimed during the attack. Abdullahi is said to be a member of the Jaish al-Ayman, an elite group entrusted to carry out attacks on Kenyan soil. It is named after one of its notorious leaders, Maalim Ayman, also known as Dobow Abdiaziz Ali, an ethnic Somali from Mandera County.

Abdullahi Banati was one of the individuals involved in the operational planning of the January 5, 2020, attack on Manda Bay Airfield. al-Shabaab — al-Qa'ida's principal affiliate in East Africa — is responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in Kenya, Somalia, and neighbouring countries that have killed thousands of people, including US citizens," the RFJ website reads.

Two years ago, Maskim Ayman was also placed on the list of most desperados over the links to the Manda Naval Base attack, which caught the US army unprepared. Senior US Africa Command commanders had also condemned the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for failing to act swiftly.

The January 5 attack, which saw approximately 30 to 40 snuffies launch mortar rounds and fire rocket-propelled grenades and small arms at the base, led to the deaths of four American soldiers. al-Shabaab later grabbed credit for the attack.

The Manda Bay Airfield, which is heavily fortified and with support from a US base in Djibouti, trains the East Africa Quick Reaction Force, which enhances security within the region and safeguards America's interests.

The US Department of State designated al-Shabaab as both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in March 2008. The group is under severe attack both in Kenya and Somalia following coordinated operations by the two countries.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Army Kills Two Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders in Operation

2025-04-29

[Garowe] Two senior al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
commanders were killed by the Somali National Army (SNA). The operation at Lower Shabelle is part of the ongoing offensive against the group.

Military officials said the forces targeted the al-Shabaab base in Muduulow area, killing Hassan Biid and Abdullahi Garweyne, who are accused of terrorizing local communities besides asking for Zakat.

The crackdown was carried out by the 26th battalion of the 6th Brigade under the 60th Division, military officials further stated, noting that the hideouts of the forces of Evil were destroyed following the precision strike by the military.

"The fight against al-Shabaab will continue until the region is fully cleared," the military said in a statement.

The government forces have been carrying out operations to eliminate the al-Shabaab forces of Evil who have been entrenched in parts of Lower Shabelle, launching frequent attacks on government officials and civilians.

The elimination of the forces of Evil was followed by cabinet reshuffle initiated by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre who transferred outspoken Foreign Affairs minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Defence docket, replacing Jibril Abdirashid Haji.

Abdisalam Abdi Ali, who has been serving as the second deputy PM for just six months, becomes the new foreign minister. Jibril Abdirashid Haji shall replace him as the Deputy Prime Minister in what further reorganises critical dockets which my hinder military operations.

Link

Africa Subsaharan

2027: ''Buba Galadima a paperweight'' - Ganduje's aide fires back at ex-APC chieftain

2025-04-25

[VANGUARDNGR] Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Oliver Okpala has fired back at a former chieftain of the party, Engr. Buba Galadima, describing him as a paperweight, incapable of influencing any real electoral victory.

Galadima had in a recent interview reportedly claimed that the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has no electoral value, but Okpala said the former APC chieftain ''is a failed, rejected and frustrated politician without any base in Nigeria''.

''His past political record of mercantilism, political duplicity and incompetence clearly shows he has no space of existence in the current political landscape in the country'', he added.

Okpala wondered how Galadima could say that a man who has been a two-time Governor of a state like Kano and at present, chairman of the APC, lacks electoral value.

''His statement clearly portrays him as a mischievous personality, politically.

''We know galadima's garrulous and weightless antecedents and we are not surprised by this his baseless claims.

''He was a well known member of the Buhari Organization but always preferred to take skewed positions, that made all attempts of the organization to win elections futile. Is that the kind of person who would determine who has electoral value?

''Ganduje is a well known, tested and trusted, results-oriented technocrat and politician of high repute, who successfully led Kano for two uninterrupted terms.

''He is a man with infallible proof of performance across Kano and beyond. His developmental projects are still littered across Kano state, a testament to his unbroken connection with the people.

''Ganduje is a grassroots politician with results to show. Where are Galadima's results? He is a barren, outdated politician who has outlived his usefulness.

Link

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