Recent Appearances...

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Hello !
Recent Appearances...

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

Ethiopian Military Carry Out Rare Airstrikes Targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia Friday

2025-03-10

[ShabelleMedia] Æthiopian warplanes launched precision ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s on Friday against al-Shabaab
... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
bases in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohammed Nur said, marking a fresh offensive in the battle against the al-Qaeda-linked hard boys.

The bombardment, involving missile strikes, targeted key positions held by the group in the volatile region, located north of the capital Mogadishu. Nur told the state TV the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Somali government, though no immediate casualty toll was available.

"The strikes were carried out with full coordination and approval from Somali authorities," Nur said. "This is part of our unwavering commitment to dismantle al-Shabaab’s network and restore peace."

The minister pointed to the Ankara Agreement, a security pact signed between Somalia and Æthiopia, as the backbone of their joint efforts. The deal, brokered in recent years with ~~The Sick Man of Europe~~ Turkey
...just another cheapjack Moslem dictatorship, brought to you by the Moslem Brüderbund...
’s mediation, facilitates military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and cross-border operations to combat the insurgency that has plagued Somalia for nearly two decades.

Friday’s airstrikes come amid a broader push to bolster security ties between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Last month, Somalia approved the deployment of Æthiopian troops under the newly established 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...
Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which replaces the previous AU mission, ATMIS.

However,
there's no worse danger than telling a mother her baby is ugly...
local officials in the Middle Shabelle region said that Æthiopian ground forces have yet to engage in active operations in the area.

Middle Shabelle, a fertile agricultural region, has long been a hotspot for al-Shabaab activity, with the group exploiting its proximity to Mogadishu to stage attacks and extort local communities. The Lions of Islam have waged a bloody insurgency since 2007, seeking to overthrow Somalia’s fragile, internationally backed government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

Æthiopia, a regional military powerhouse, has played a pivotal role in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, contributing troops and air support since intervening in 2006. Its involvement has drawn both praise for stabilizing parts of the country and criticism over alleged civilian casualties—a charge Addis Ababa consistently denies.

Analysts see the deepening Somalia-Æthiopia alliance as a critical step toward curbing al-Shabaab’s influence. "This partnership could tip the balance if sustained," said Abdiwahab Sheikh, a Horn of Africa security expert based in Mogadishu. "But it hinges on consistent coordination and addressing local grievances to avoid alienating communities."

Residents of Jowhar, the regional capital of Middle Shabelle, reported hearing loud explosions early Friday. "The planes came low, and then we heard the blasts," said shopkeeper Halima Yusuf, 34. "We’re used to fighting, but this felt different—more precise."

Somali officials have vowed to ramp up operations against al-Shabaab ahead of the full AUSSOM rollout later this year. The mission, backed by the United Nations
...an organization conceived in the belief that we're just one big happy world, with the sort of results you'd expect from such nonsense...
and funded by international donors, aims to secure key population centers and pave the way for Somali forces to assume greater control.

For now, the absence of casualty figures leaves the immediate impact of the airstrikes unclear. al-Shabaab, which rarely comments on losses, has not issued a statement on the attack.

The Horn of Africa nation remains one of the world’s most unstable, with al-Shabaab controlling swathes of rural territory despite years of military campaigns. Friday’s strikes signal that Æthiopia and Somalia are doubling down on their joint resolve to confront the persistent threat.

Link

Africa Horn

Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle Region After Militant Attack on Army Base

2024-11-30

[ShabelleMedia] Warplanes launched a series of ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s in the Hawadley area of Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region late last night, targeting known al-Shabaab
... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
strongholds. The attacks resulted in the destruction of multiple vehicles used by the turban group, according to local reports.

The airstrikes were a direct response to an earlier assault by al-Shabaab on a Somali government military base in Hawadley, which reportedly led to numerous casualties among the Somali National Army. Sources within the military confirmed that the attack on their base was one of the deadliest in recent months, prompting the swift aerial counteraction.

The tension in Hawadley, which falls within the Balcad district, has not subsided. There are continued reports of skirmishes between government forces and al-Shabaab turbans, with both sides vying for control over strategic points in the area. The turban group’s control over the road connecting Balcad to Jowhar has severely restricted movement, disrupting not only local trade but also the delivery of humanitarian aid

.

Residents in the area described a volatile atmosphere, with sporadic gunfire and the constant threat of further attacks. "Life has become very unpredictable here," said Abdi Mohammed, a local shopkeeper in Hawadley. "The road to Jowhar, which is crucial for our daily supplies, is practically a no-go zone now."

The ongoing conflict in Middle Shabelle reflects broader challenges in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate that has been battling the government and 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...
forces for over a decade. Despite efforts by the Somali government, supported by international partners, to reclaim territories from the holy warriors, al-Shabaab continues to demonstrate resilience, launching frequent attacks to undermine government control and sow chaos.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali Army Conducts Major Operation Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle Region

2024-09-28

26/09/2024
[ShabelleMedia] The Somali National Army executed a significant military operation in the Awdheegle district of the Lower Shabelle region today, targeting al-Shabaab

... the personification of Somali state failure...
holy warriors, according to reports from local government officials.

The operation, which involved the 175th Division of the 17th Eagle Brigade and the 146th Division of the 14th October Brigade, was launched in the Jowhar-Awdheegle area, approximately 5 kilometers from Awdheegle.

The area has recently seen increased activity from al-Shabaab, with the group reportedly using the location for meetings and planning attacks against civilians.

A government blurb confirmed the success of the operation, stating that it resulted in the elimination of several al-Shabaab members, including senior officers. The release described the murderous Moslems as Khawarij, a term often used in the region to denote rebels or outlaws, particularly those following turban ideologies.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia inks MoU with US for the building of five military bases

2024-02-17

[ShabelleMedia] In a ceremony presided over by President Hassan Sheikh, the United States and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of five military bases for the Somali National Army (SNA) Danab Brigade.

The bases will be built in locations across the federal member states, namely Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Jowhar, Kismayo
...a port city in the southern Lower Juba province of Somalia, at the extreme southern end of the country (always assuming Somalia can be called a country). It is the commercial capital of the autonomous Jubaland region....
, and Mogadishu.

The President hailed the support as a ’significant contribution to the Government’s efforts to build an effective national army capable of taking over security responsibilities and countering the threat of international terrorism in the country.’

The President also underscored the critical Somalia-U.S. cooperation in the development of the security sector, adding that ’U.S. investments in the SNA/Danab have borne fruit, nurturing a formidable strike force that spearheads Somali Security Forces’ offensives against Al-Shabaab

... an Islamic infestation centering on Somalia attempting to metastasize into Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and similar places, all ofwhich have enough problems without them...
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, was also present to witness the signing of the MoU.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali, AU troops clear supply routes to ease aid movements

2023-06-04

[Garowe] Somali and the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops have stepped up joint patrols to clear improvised bombs (IEDs) and open main supply routes to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid

to the populations.

The African Union (AU) mission said on Friday that the joint operations by the Burundian troops serving under ATMIS and the Somali security forces have dismantled al-Shabaab

...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
strongholds and illegal checkpoints in central and southern Somalia.

"ATMIS Burundi troops have successfully conducted a reconnaissance patrol along the main supply route connecting Jowhar Air Field to Jowhar town. The operation was to ensure safe movement of goods and services on the busy road," ATMIS said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

"The joint force dismantled illegal checkpoints set up by the (al-Shabaab) ~~bandidos~~ hard boyz and also eliminated al-Shabaab cells planning attacks against government forces, ATMIS personnel, and civilians in the area," it said.

The allied forces have also conducted a security patrol to secure the main supply route in Bulo Marer, a town in the southwestern Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, to ensure the free movement of goods and services.

The joint troops have been opening main supply routes blocked by al-Shabaab hard boyz and creating a free and secure environment for the Somali people to thrive.

Aid agencies have said the poor state of main supply routes in south-central and southern Somalia provided conditions for al-Shabaab to continue laying ambushes and use bombs against ATMIS convoys and Somali security forces.

Link

Africa Horn

Somalia army liberates more villages from Al-Shabaab

2023-04-20

[Garowe] The Somali National Army [SNA] has continued to liberate more villages in troubled Somalia, with the government now set to unveil the second phase of operations against the murderous Moslems whose huge presence in central and southern Somalia has been a thorn in the flesh according to security analysts.

At Lower Shabelle, the military continued with operations uninterrupted, targeting strategic villages which are fundamental for the fight against al-Shabaab

...... the personification of Somali state failure...
. The villages Have previously been under the lethal administration of al-Shabaab which uses threats and intimidation to govern people.

Some of the villages which were captured include Jowhar Awdhegle, Ay-Butey, Gumeysidid, Kali Cafimad, and Buulo-Nagey, under the districts of Awdheegle, Janalle, and Number 50.

One of these things is not like the other ones...

The Military has been wrestling against the murderous Moslems for the last 16 years, making tremendous progress in the process.

The military confirmed that it had destroyed checkpoints and fake courts where the group was extorting money from people and public vehicles. The government is keen to block al-Shabaab from raising revenue from locals which helps them to run the criminal gang by purchasing weapons and paying fighters wages.

The local militia along with the US Africa Command and the African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] have been instrumental in helping the national army to tackle al-Shabaab bad boys. For some time, since July 2022, al-Shabaab has lost significant territories in Galgaduud, Hiiraan, and Bay regions.

President Hassan Sheikh has officially announced the beginning of the second phase of operations in the country to eliminate the group. Hussein Sheikh Ali, the national security advisor, says the government will still focus on Galmadug and HirShabelle states in the second phase of operations.

The operations have been significant in the sense that the government has taken control of strategic towns and even started the restoration of normality by installing civilian administrations. The al-Shabaab extortionists have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia for the last 16 years.

Link

Africa Horn

Gunmen attack a police checkpoint in Somali capital

2023-03-12

[ShabelleMedia] ] Gunmen attacked a police outpost in northern Mogadishu, Somali capital early on Saturday morning, witnesses and police have confirmed.

The attack took place in Suqa-Holaha village within Heliwa district and there were reports of a shootout ensued between suspected al-Shabaab

...... the personification of Somali state failure...
fighters and Somali police soldiers.

Before the clash, the assailants tossed a grenade at the base, which houses dozens of security forces who are stationed there to protect the area from al-Shabaab.

"We woke up to a heavy fighting in Baar Jowhar area between attackers and police. The confrontation took at least 40 minutes," said a resident, speaking to Radio Shabelle.

The details of the casualty figures still remains unclear as the security agencies did not release any statement regarding the attack, which comes in the midst of high alert.

Increased security measures almost prompted transport and business disruptions in the affected area for hours, according to the eyewitnesses, who declined to be named.

Link

Africa Horn

An airport official killed in Somalia blast

2022-12-12

[ShabelleMedia] A remote-controlled landmine targeting a vehicle outside Jowhar town, Middle Shabelle regional capital on Sunday morning killed at least two people.

Mahad Muheyadin Alasow, the deputy manager of Jowhar airport, and a soldier were confirmed dead in the blast that tore through their car traveling near the town.

At least three other people were maimed in the bombing, which was claimed by al-Shabaab

...... Somalia's version of the Taliban
...Arabic for students...
, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
bully boys. The injured were admitted to Jowhar hospital, the police said.

HirShabelle state officials have condemned the attack which comes amid a military operation on al-Shabaab that saw the liberation of Adan Yabaal and several nearby areas.

Link

Africa Horn

Somali troops take villages from Al-Shabaab

2022-10-20

[ShabelleMedia] The government forces have wrestled control of a number of villages from the al-Shabaab

...... the personification of Somali state failure...
following an operation assisted by local militia.

Early on Wednesday morning, the troops moved into Warkulan, Bakajeh, Galef, War-Isse, Qordhere, and Jilabley located on Jowhar-Raga-El highway in the Middle Shabelle region.

Al-Shabaab turbans left the areas before the arrival of the SNA, and there was no confrontation during the takeover, which took place in a peaceful manner.

Somali soldiers along with allied militia are making efforts to dislodge al-Shabaab from the remaining areas under its control. The government claims victory over the current war.

Link

Africa Horn

Suicide blast reported in Jowhar city

2022-08-11

[ShabelleMedia] An explosion struck Jowhar, a strategic city in southern Somalia on Wednesday evening.

The explosion was carried out by a bomber who let 'er rip up at a city hotel gate in the town with no immediate reports of the casualties.

The security of the city, which is the presidential palace of HirShabelle state has been worsening for the past few weeks with al-Shabaab

...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...
targeting key areas.

More soon.

Link

Africa Horn

Car bomb explosion leaves five people injured in Somalia

2022-08-08

[Garowe] A car laden with explosions on Sunday detonated in Jowhar, the regional administrative capital of HirShabelle, a state which has been under persistent attacks from the al-Shabaab

...... al-Qaeda's tentacle in East Africa...
turbans, who control swathes of rural central and Southern Somalia.

Witnesses said the earth-shattering kaboom targeted Nur Doob Hotel within the busy city, leaving at least five people including two women critically injured. The explosion has since been confirmed by the police in the busy city. This is the second terrorist blast in the same area since last month.

Although no group has taken responsibility for the attack, the al-Shabaab turbans are known for such cowardly acts within the Horn of Africa nation which is struggling with instability for the last couple of years despite stringent security operations.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also pledged to intensify the fight against the turbans, arguing that he's keen to ensure all sources of revenue for the group, which enables them to wage attacks across the country and even outside the borders.

Recently, the US has also been supporting the ongoing fight against ~~violent~~ mostly peaceful extremism, including through training of Danab Special Forces, who are critical in the fight against the turbans. The US also equips the special forces.

There are over 22,000 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 [ATMIS] in the country who have been also critical in the fight against turbans, and the team is set to remain in the country for the next three years after which, they will hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces.

Shabelle Media adds:

A security official in Jowhar city says a kaboom killed one person and maimed four others on Sunday morning.

The blast was used in an explosives-laden NOHA car that went off at Noor Doob hotel, the scene of the July explosion that killed several people and maimed MPs and ministers.

Eyewitnesses said the earth-shattering kaboom took place when the police closed the road for security reasons. There are damages caused by the earth-shattering kaboom.

There is no statement from the Hirshabelle State regarding the attack and the damage caused, and no group grabbed credit for the bombing.

Link

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