A BBC editor was hired as an expert witness to help at least 15 Somalian criminals fight deportation and remain in the UK, it has emerged. Mary Harper, Africa editor for the BBC’s World Service, was paid to give expert evidence for Yaqub Ahmed, a Somali gang rapist, during his five-year legal battle to remain...
Two vessels freed following Somali pirate hijackings
The rise in pirate activity off Somalia suggests the impact of the Gaza war continues to spread across the region. One Sri Lankan and one Iranian vessel are reported to have been freed following hijackings by Somali pirates. Seychelles forces rescued a Sri Lankan fishing boat on Monday, according to President Wavel Ramkalawan’s office. Meanwhile,...
Tribal allegiances and sports: The impact on inter-state football games in Somalia
The ongoing inter-state football games in Somalia have sparked a heated debate surrounding the nature of the federal states in Somalia and the influence of tribal allegiances. These discussions have brought to light the complexities faced by Somali youth, who find themselves supporting federal states based on their tribal connections rather than their place of...
First licensed Somali-owned day care in state damaged in south Minneapolis fire
Hours after her home burned down, Hawo Gurey stood on the sidewalk looking at the remains trying to figure out how to rebuild. Not for herself, though. She was more concerned about the families that had come to rely on the day care business that was also housed inside the property. “This is very devastating....
Attacks fuel fears of return of Somali piracy, but analysts say surge is unlikely
In early December, a Maltese-flagged merchant ship was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. It is believed to be the first successful attack on a merchant ship in the region since 2017. Gerry Northwood, a former captain who commanded warships in the region with Britain’s Royal Navy, told Reuters the attacks indicate that pirates “think...
Officials: Airstrike in Somalia kills at least 20 Al-Shabab militants
A military strike killed at least 20 al-Shabab militants in central Somalia, regional and military officials said Thursday. “Somali military forces, supported by international partners, conducted the airstrike in the town of Galhareri, targeting sites the militants used to manufacture improvised firearms, bombs and other explosives,” Galmudug Regional Security Minister Mohamed Aden Gaboobe told VOA...
President Sisi says Egypt intensifies efforts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza, release hostages
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that the Egypt is intensifying its efforts to achieve ceasefire in Gaza Strip, release hostages, and begin the reconstruction. He added during meeting with number of media figures on the sidelines of the celebration of the 72nd Police Day, that Egypt always seeks to achieve stability and ensure that conflict...
Al-Shabaab terrorist group attacks military base in Somalia
Casualties are feared in northern Somalia after al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group al-Shabaab launched predawn attacks Wednesday against an army base, local officials told Anadolu. Heavy gunfire was exchanged during the multi-pronged strike on an army camp in northern Mudug province, a military official in the central state of Galmudug said on condition of anonymity due restrictions...
Bosaso: UAE-trained PMPF water tanker targeted in apparent IED attack
An explosion, believed to be caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), struck a water tanker owned by the Puntland Marine Police Force (PMPF) in the outskirts of Bosaso on Wednesday. The attack occurred on the road on the outskirts of the port town of Bosaso, resulting in the destruction of the tanker. Fortunately, two...
Suicide bombing kills 2 outside Mogadishu stadium during football match
Mogadishu was rocked by tragedy on Wednesday as a suicide bombing near the Mogadishu Stadium claimed at least two lives and left two others injured, as confirmed by the police. The incident occurred around 4:00 pm local time during a football match between the Galmudug and Banadir teams. According to a brief report from the...