Recent Appearances...

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Recent Appearances...

Africa Horn

Somali Special Forces Kill Al-Shabaab Commander in Operation

2025-07-02

[ShabelleMedia] Somali special forces from the elite Danab unit have killed a senior al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
commander and eight of his guards in a planned operation in the Bariire area of Lower Shabelle region, the government said on Tuesday.

The commander, identified as Jaabir, was targeted in a raid on a hideout where he and his security detail were located, security sources confirmed.

"The Somali National Army’s Danab special forces conducted a well-planned operation in Bariire, Lower Shabelle, killing a senior hard boy commander known as Jaabir and eight armed ~~bandidos~~ forces of Evil belonging to the group," a brief government statement said.

Jaabir was described as the chief explosives expert for the krazed killer group in Lower Shabelle, responsible for assembling improvised bombs used in attacks across the region, the federal government added.

The operation also resulted in the destruction of several al-Shabaab bases and tunnels used for staging bombings and assaults in the area.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia: Clashes Erupt in Lower Shabelle Between Government Forces and Al-Shabaab

2025-07-01

[ShabelleMedia] Heavy fighting has broken out in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region between federal government forces and the al-Qaeda-linked hard boy group al-Shabaab

... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
, local sources and officials said Monday.

The festivities, which are concentrated in areas including Sabiid Caanoole, Bariire, and Awdheegle, have been accompanied by aerial bombardments and heavy artillery shelling, raising concerns for the safety of civilians in the region.

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Africa Horn

Puntland Denies Reports of UAE Missile Installations in Bosaso

2025-06-28

[ShabelleMedia] Authorities in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland
...a region in northeastern Somalia, centered on Garowe in the Nugaal province. Its leaders declared the territory an autonomous state in 1998. Puntland and the equally autonomous Somaliland seem to have avoided the clan rivalries and warlordism that have typified the rest of Somalia, which puts both places high on the list for Islamic subversion...
state have firmly denied recent reports claiming that the United Arab Emirates is planning to install missile tracking and defense systems at the airport and seaport in the coastal city of Bosaso, the regional capital of Bari.

Speaking before the Puntland regional parliament on Wednesday, Puntland’s Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aydid Dirir, dismissed the reports as "fabricated lies" orchestrated by individuals he described as opponents of Puntland’s autonomy and development, allegedly with backing from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

"These are baseless allegations spread by those who are openly hostile to Puntland’s progress," Dirir said. "This is part of a deliberate campaign to disrupt our cooperation with international partners, especially the UAE."

The minister further accused the federal government of sponsoring what he called ongoing propaganda and political sabotage targeting Puntland, warning that such efforts undermine the fragile federal system in Somalia.

The statement comes amid rising political tensions between Puntland and the federal government in Mogadishu. Puntland has repeatedly accused the central authorities of interference and of attempting to curtail the region’s autonomy.

The United Arab Emirates, a long-time ally of Puntland with strategic investments in the region, has not publicly commented on the missile deployment allegations.

Link

Africa Horn

Heavy Fighting in Somalia’s Bay Region as Army, Al-Shabaab Suffer Losses

2025-06-26

[Garowe] The Somali National Army (SNA) and the al-Shabaab militants suffered casualties following intense fighting within the Bay region of Southwest, multiple sources revealed, in the latest clashes involving the two teams.

According to reports, several government soldiers as well as al-Shabaab fighters were killed after the militants attacked a military outpost, Burjeed, about 12km south of Baidoa, on Monday, within the restless Southwest State.

Sources in the region say the militants briefly entered the outpost before government forces retook it. Intense fighting ensued, leading to multiple deaths, but both teams have yet to disclose the extent of the damage.

The al-Shabaab fighters usually target military bases since they cannot wage an effective frontline challenge against the Somali National Army and allies, whose ground combat capability is greatly enhanced with the support of modern technology.

Meanwhile, the commander of Sector 60 of the national army, which operates in the area, Brigadier Hassan Isaq Omar, has been replaced. Colonel Mohamed Yarisow was appointed to replace him. The removal is not related to the Monday attack, sources said.

Link

Good Morning

2025-06-24

Tuesday 06/24/2025

President Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, to be followed by an official end to the war

maude branscome 502211996136959_n.

Africa Horn Al-Shabaab Weapons Store Destroyed in Somalia		Africa Horn Somali Forces Repel Al-Shabaab Attack Near Baidoa in Heavy Clashes
Africa Horn Somali Forces, Supported by Local Militias, Kill Over 20 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Clashes in Hiiraan		Israel-Palestine-Jordan Caught in the crossfire, Jordan (quietly) shields Israel as Iranian shrapnel rains down
Israel-Palestine-Jordan Police arrest three more Israelis on Iran espionage suspicions		Israel-Palestine-Jordan In leaked call, Israeli operative tells Iranian general: %u2018You have 12 hours to escape%u2019

First celestial image unveiled from revolutionary telescope

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Forces Repel Al-Shabaab Attack Near Baidoa in Heavy Clashes

2025-06-24

[ShabelleMedia] Somali government forces and regional troops from South West State repelled a major attack by Al-Shabaab militants near the city of Baidoa on Sunday, following hours of intense fighting that left several insurgents dead, military officials said.

The clashes erupted early in the morning in the Daynuunay and Burjeed areas, located on the outskirts of Baidoa, after Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise assault on military outposts held by South West State forces.

Heavy weaponry, including mortars and machine guns, was used in the firefight, with explosions heard across several neighborhoods in Baidoa. Local residents reported widespread panic as stray shells landed outside the immediate combat zone.

“The militants attempted to overrun our positions, but our forces were prepared,” a Somali National Army (SNA) officer told state media. “We inflicted heavy casualties on Al-Shabaab, and many of them were killed at the scene. Others are on the run and being pursued.”

Although casualty figures remain unconfirmed, military sources said the confrontation resulted in a “significant blow” to the militants, who have intensified attacks in the Bay region in recent months.

Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State, is heavily guarded by Somali and allied troops, including Ethiopian forces operating under a separate bilateral security arrangement.

While the Ethiopian military’s involvement in the latest fighting has not been officially confirmed, they are known to maintain a strong presence in the region and have provided logistical and training support to local forces.

Link

Africa Horn

South West State forces launch offensive against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle

2025-05-13

[ShabelleMedia] Security forces from Somalia’s South West State on Sunday launched a major military operation against al-Shabaab

... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
Death Eaters in several villages under Walanweyn district in the Lower Shabelle region, officials said.

The offensive targeted the areas of Yaaqbariwayne, Leego, and Carmoole, following intelligence reports that al-Shabaab fighters were mobilizing in the region.

"Our forces responded swiftly and conducted a planned assault on bad boy positions," said a military officer involved in the operation. "We killed several fighters, destroyed key installations, and regained control of the affected areas."

Following the operation, South West State forces began sweeping the area to secure it from potential counterattacks and to stabilize local security.

Meanwhile,
...back at the secret hideout, Scarface Al sneeringly put his proposition to little Nell...
the main highway linking the capital, Mogadishu, with Baydhabo remains under al-Shabaab control. Due to the persistent threat of roadside kaboomings and ambushes, top government and South West State officials have been forced to travel between the two cities by air.

Security sources say the bad boy group regularly stages attacks along the route, targeting military convoys and civilian vehicles.

Link

Africa Horn

U.S. AFRICOM Airstrike Targets ISIS Militants in Puntland, Says Somali Defence Ministry

2025-05-06

[ShabelleMedia] In a coordinated effort with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
this morning in 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...
, targeting turbans affiliated with the 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....
(ISIS). The airstrike resulted in significant enemy casualties, according to initial reports.

The Ministry of Defence of Somalia has commended the successful operation, praising the collaboration between the Somali government and the U.S. military in combating terrorism. A statement from the Ministry emphasized the importance of the ongoing partnership and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working with international allies to eradicate terrorist groups operating within the country.

"The airstrike today is a clear demonstration of the strength of our partnership with U.S. AFRICOM," the Ministry said in a statement. "Together, we remain dedicated to defeating the terrorist threat posed by ISIS and other holy warrior factions. This successful operation is another step forward in ensuring the security and stability of Somalia."

The airstrike, according to AFRICOM, is part of an ongoing campaign to target and eliminate al-Shabaab
... the personification of Somali state failure...
and ISIS, which have been destabilizing the region, particularly in the northern and central parts of Somalia.

While no specific details have been released regarding the number of ISIS turbans killed or captured, the Somali government has vowed to continue its counterterrorism operations in collaboration with international partners to disrupt and dismantle these holy warrior networks.

The U.S. military has been conducting operations in Somalia for several years, primarily focused on targeting al-Shabaab holy warriors, but ISIS-affiliated groups have increasingly become a threat in the country, particularly in Puntland.

This operation underscores the continued international effort to support Somalia’s fight against terrorism and its ongoing commitment to securing a peaceful future for its citizens.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali President meets regional leaders over worsening security, Al-Shabaab resurgence; Somali army chief quits

2025-04-22

[ShabelleMedia] Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a closed-door meeting with the leaders of the 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...
, Hirshabelle, and South West regional states to discuss the deteriorating security situation and the renewed offensive by al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
bad boys.

The talks, focused on counterterrorism operations and the bad boy group’s recent resurgence, came in the wake of an al-Shabaab takeover of the central town of Adan Yabal in Middle Shabelle, approximately 245 kilometers north of Mogadishu.

Hirshabelle President Ali Hussein Gudlawe underscored the strategic importance of regaining control of Adan Yabal, describing the group’s presence there as a major challenge to his administration.

Meanwhile,
...back at the shootout, bullets whapped! around Butch as he tried to tie his scarf around his shoulder as a tourniquet......
South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohammed Laftagareen praised the Somali National Army for repelling a recent al-Shabaab assault near Baidoa. He said the attack had been thwarted with several bully boyz killed, their bodies later displayed publicly in the city.

President Mohamud also consulted the regional leaders on a broader political initiative aimed at engaging key stakeholders and civil society to address the country’s fragile security. The initiative seeks to coordinate efforts to retake territories currently under al-Shabaab control and reinforce the national army’s campaign.

Security in Somalia has steadily worsened in recent weeks, with an uptick in attacks targeting military bases in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, fueling public concern and political pressure in the capital.

Somali army chief to resign after setback in Al-Shabaab war

[Garowe] General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA), who made a return recently after dismissal, has since written to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asking for exit from the SNA leadership.
"I'm outta here!"
Credible reports indicate that the Chief of Defence Forces is said to have written to President Hassan, expressing his intention to leave the forces, at a time the Somali National Army is facing setbacks from the battle against Al-Shabaab militants.

The Somali National Army lost strategic Adan Yabaal town in Middle Shabelle, highlighting a serious gap in the operations, with the US Africa Command forced to intervene by activating an airstrike while assisting the local forces in the fight against the group.

For this, President Mohamud is also expected to reshuffle senior military leadership to boost operations against al Shabaab, as the group has recently intensified attacks and regained control of previously lost territories.

General Odawaa Yusuf Rageh rejoined the military in November 2024 after two years of absence, having been replaced by General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin. Odowaa was brought back to spearhead the operations by the military against al-Shabaab.

If Odowaa Yusuf Rage's exit is confirmed, it would yet again deal a blow to security forces with the change on Command set to affect general organisation and strategy within the defence forces. The military is struggling to reclaim its lost glory.

This comes at the time President Hassan Sheikh opened talks at Villa Somalia with leaders of the South West, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug states. The meeting, requested by the three federal member states, comes after the loss of the military on a number of frontlines.

Next week, Hassan Sheikh has convened the National Consultative Council meeting, which shall focus on the strategies in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The government of Somalia is fighting the group with local security teams expected to take over security responsibilities in future.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia: Puntland forces conquer critical ISIS bases

2025-04-20

[Garowe] Security forces drawn from the Puntland Defense Forces entered phase III of the fight against ISIS militants, conquering critical bases in the process, with the ultimate goal being ejecting the militants from strategic areas within the Calmiskaad mountains.

According to reports, the Puntland forces, with assistance from the US Africa Command over overran key Daacish positions in the Al-Miskaad mountains—including Dallaas, Shilin-Cas, Buur-Gaal, and Dhanan—areas long used as terrorist hideouts.

The bases had provided the militants shelter from sustained aerial surveillance by the US Africa Command, the United Arab Emirates forces, and the local troops, who have managed to make tremendous gains on all frontlines.

"Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces today conducted an operation in Mirale valley, killing ISIS terrorists hiding in the area and clearing them from their caves. The third phase of the operation is underway. Further details to follow shortly," security forces said.

Fighting is still ongoing in pockets. Troops reached these remote zones using camels and donkeys, as normal vehicles couldn’t access the terrain. U.S. airstrikes continue in support, and diplomatic sources say Washington is impressed by Puntland’s battlefield readiness.

Before the 3rd phase of operations kicked off, Puntland warned Nomad communities against making movements within certain areas of interest, noting that they may be taken as terrorists and possibly suffer from the ongoing bombings.

Regional leader Said Abdullahi Deni has previously visited various frontlines while encouraging troops to fight for peace and stability in the state. Puntland has yet to get substantial support from the Somali National Army (SNA) due to an unresolved federal governance conflict.

But there is still hope that with the support from the international partners, the state shall effectively defeat the ISIS militants who were trying to make inroads within northern Somalia. ISIS militants have lost significant territories within the last four months.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Forces Kill Over 35 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Operation Near Baidoa

2025-04-18

[ShabelleMedia] Somali government forces, backed by South West State’s Darwish troops, killed more than 35 al-Shabaab fighters in a joint operation near Baidoa, officials said Thursday.

The military said the operation targeted a group of militants who were preparing to carry out an attack in the Baay Burjeed area, roughly 15 kilometers from Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State. A foreign commander reportedly leading the unit was among those killed.

At least 60 others were injured during the fighting, while troops recovered the bodies of 18 militants, including several senior figures. Operations are ongoing to track down those who fled the scene, the statement said.

Officials hailed the operation as a major blow to al-Shabaab and credited cooperation from the local population for its success.

Link

Africa Horn

Reinforcements Arrive in Somalia’s Hirshabelle to Assist Troops Fighting Al-Shabaab

2025-02-26

[ShabelleMedia] Reports from the HirShabelle state of Somalia indicate that many troops from 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...
state have arrived in areas within the Middle Shabelle region. The reinforcements include both the Galmudug State forces and local clan militia units.

Sources say the troops are headed to the Ceelbaraf area to support forces already stationed there, who have been engaged in intense battles with the turban group al-Shabaab

... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
in the past few days.

In a Shabelle Radio interview, Abdullahi Osmaan Dhore, a member of the Hirshabelle parliament, discussed the arrival of additional forces.

He emphasized that the troops are strong and will support the local forces in their efforts to clear al-Shabaab from the region, specifically from areas in the Middle Shabelle region where the bully boyz have a huge presence.

It is also worth noting that Ceelbaraf recently saw a fierce clash between al-Shabaab fighters and Somali National Army troops.

The battle resulted in casualties on both sides. The arrival of the Galmudug forces is expected to play a significant role in the ongoing effort to eliminate al-Shabaab from the region.

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