Latest news with #AlShabaab
Russia Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
US launched ‘largest-ever strike from aircraft carrier'
The US Navy conducted the largest-ever airstrike from an aircraft carrier during an operation in Somalia earlier this year, Admiral James Kilby, acting chief of naval operations, has said. The USS Harry S. Truman and its strike group 'launched the largest airstrike in the history of the world – 125,000 pounds (62.5 tons) – from a single aircraft carrier,' the US Navy's top admiral claimed at an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations think tank in Washington on Monday. A defense official told Business Insider on Wednesday that the bombing run took place on February 1 and involved 16 F/A-18 Super Hornets. According to US Africa Command, a total of 25 airstrikes against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Qaeda affiliate group Al-Shabaab have been carried out by American forces in Somalia since January. The Truman carrier strike group, which had been deployed to the Middle East in the autumn, left the Red Sea earlier this month to participate in NATO drills in the Mediterranean before heading back to its home port of Norfolk, Virginia. Over the last half a year, it has played a key role in US efforts to prevent Houthi fighters from targeting shipping off Yemen's coast. The Truman conducted 670 strikes against the Houthis and intercepted around 160 enemy drones and missiles during the period, Kilby said. The Houthis 'are not China, but they are a threat, and they are hunting our ships. Understanding that and not being dismissive about that and being prepared is what we are focused on now,' the admiral stressed. The Truman's stay in the Red Sea was marred by several incidents. In December, one of the warships in its strike group shot down an American F/A-18 in what the US military later described as an 'apparent case of friendly fire.' In late April, an F/A-18 and a tow tractor fell overboard from the carrier's hangar bay as the ship was maneuvering to avoid an attack by the Houthis. Earlier this month, the Truman's arresting cables failed during the landing of another F/A-18, sending the jet, which costs an estimated $60 million, overboard.
Russia Today
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Suicide bombing kills 10 in African state
At least 10 people were killed on Sunday when a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside a military base in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. The attacker targeted a line of teenage recruits, where scores of young men were waiting to enlist. The blast occurred at the entrance of the Damanyo military facility and has been claimed by the militant Islamist group Al-Shabaab. Witnesses at the scene described a devastating aftermath, with scattered footwear and the remains of the suicide bomber strewn across the area. A military captain identifying himself as Suleiman described the attack, saying a man exited a speeding tuk-tuk, ran into a queue, and detonated explosives. 'I saw 10 people dead, including recruits and passers-by. The death toll may rise,' he told Reuters. Medical personnel at a nearby military hospital confirmed to Reuters that 30 people had been admitted with injuries. Six of them succumbed to their wounds shortly after arrival. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the blast site, restricting access as emergency services and investigators moved in. In a statement released the same day, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the bombing, alleging it had killed 30 soldiers and wounded 50 more. The group, which maintains links to Al-Qaeda, has been waging a prolonged insurgency in Somalia since 2007. Government officials have yet to publicly respond to the attack. The explosion bears similarities to a deadly incident in 2023 when a suicide bomber killed 25 soldiers at the Jale Siyad base, situated directly across from Damanyo. Sunday's bombing came just one day after the assassination of Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale, commander of Battalion 26, who was killed in Somalia's Hiiran region. The killing occurred amid growing concerns over reported infiltration of government and security ranks by Al-Shabaab operatives. Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent groups, Al-Shabab in particular, have been carrying out regular attacks in several African states, including those in the Sahel region – Burkina Faso, Mali, and Somalia in East Africa.
Dubai Eye
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
UAE condemns terror attack in Somalia
The UAE has strongly condemned a terror attack in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu that left several military recruits dead. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the "criminal acts" and reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of violence aimed at destabilising security and peace. The ministry also extended its condolences to the Somali government and the families of the victims. Authorities have confirmed multiple casualties at the attack at a military base as young recruits were waiting to register. The Al Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has carried out attacks in Somalia since 2007 and has recently been battling the Somali army to expand its influence in central regions. The bombing echoed a similar attack earlier this year, which the group also claimed responsibility for.
TAG 91.1
19-05-2025
- Politics
- TAG 91.1
UAE condemns terror attack in Somalia
The UAE has strongly condemned a terror attack in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu that left several military recruits dead. In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the "criminal acts" and reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of violence aimed at destabilising security and peace. The ministry also extended its condolences to the Somali government and the families of the victims. Authorities have confirmed multiple casualties at the attack at a military base as young recruits were waiting to register. The Al Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has carried out attacks in Somalia since 2007 and has recently been battling the Somali army to expand its influence in central regions. The bombing echoed a similar attack earlier this year, which the group also claimed responsibility for.
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Africa Daily Can you make a living as an artist in Somalia?
Available for over a year '90% of Somali people don't know the value of art. That is the problem.' Maslah Abdi Dahir has been threatened by the Islamist insurgent group Al Shabaab who believe portraiture is 'haram' or forbidden under Islam. Other Somalis have told him art is a waste of time with so many people out of work. But the Prime Minister spotted and praised his work and he has 250K followers on TikTok. So what drives the 28 year old founder of Mogadishu's art centre and school? For today's Africa Daily, Peter Musembi speaks with Maslah Abdi Dahir – and one of his students Anisa Abdulahi Farah. Produced by Mohamed Gabobe in Mogadishu.
