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Somalia Liberates More Villages from Al-Shabaab Militants

The army, with the help of peacekeeping missions and local forces, are fighting Al-Shabaab militants, who control larger swathes of Somali territory. (SONNA)
The army, with the help of peacekeeping missions and local forces, are fighting Al-Shabaab militants, who control larger swathes of Somali territory. (SONNA)
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Somalia Liberates More Villages from Al-Shabaab Militants

The army, with the help of peacekeeping missions and local forces, are fighting Al-Shabaab militants, who control larger swathes of Somali territory. (SONNA)
The army, with the help of peacekeeping missions and local forces, are fighting Al-Shabaab militants, who control larger swathes of Somali territory. (SONNA)

Somalia on Sunday celebrated the victory of its army in liberating villages from the al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

Galmudug regional state Vice President Ali Dahir congratulated the people for regaining control over several areas in the Mudug region.

Somalia has been plagued by years of insecurity with the main threats coming from the Al-Shabaab group.

The army, with the help of peacekeeping missions and local forces, are fighting Al-Shabaab militants, who control larger swathes of Somali territory.

Dahir said the armed forces have achieved “successive victories” in their war to “liberate the country from terrorism.”

The country’s official news agency, SONNA, said the army and the local forces captured Sargo and Qodqod areas in the Mudug region, killing 30 Al-Shabaab terrorists as part of their ongoing operation to liberate Somalia from the group.

The armed forces and the local forces have taken full control of Sargo and Qodqod in Mudug, it said.

A government statement lauded “the heroic role of local forces who stood alongside the national army to eliminate terrorism,” adding that it is determined to punish the terrorist conspirators who dare to harm the Somali people.

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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
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Araghchi in China to Discuss Nuclear Program, Sanctions and Regional Challenges

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the issue of Iran's nuclear program and efforts to lift Western sanctions will witness a new dynamic in the new year, noting that more consultations with China are needed in this regard.
Araghchi traveled to China on Friday at the invitation of his counterpart, Wang Yi.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Beijing, the FM said, “For years, we have consistently maintained close consultations with China on all regional and international matters,” according to Iran’s news agency, IRNA.
“Iran and China have maintained close communication on regional and global issues over the years. The current situation is highly sensitive, with escalating tensions in the region and numerous international challenges,” he said.
Araghchi highlighted the need for increased consultations with China regarding Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to lift sanctions.
He noted that 2024 would mark a new phase pertaining to these issues, requiring close dialogue with China.
The Iranian FM reiterated that the timing of this visit was ideal, as it aligns with the beginning of the new year, a period when both countries will prepare to face upcoming challenges, particularly in regional affairs, international relations, and Security Council matters.
Shortly before his visit to China, Araghchi said in an article published in the People’s Daily, that the trip marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strategic partnership between both countries.
“My trip to meet old friends in China follows successful meetings of Iranian and Chinese leaders on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in Kazan,” he said.
Separately, IRNA reported on Friday that a full-scale radiological emergency response exercise was conducted at the Bushehr nuclear plant with the aim of improving the preparedness of rescue teams and training villagers near the power plant when facing radiation and nuclear incidents.
The maneuver included a hypothetical accident at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. The governorate was alerted and initial clarifications were offered to the concerned institutions.
The pollution rate increased, triggering an evacuation order during which residents were evacuated by sea.
Arsalan Zare, governor of Bushehr province and chairman of the Crisis Management Committee, said on Thursday, “Safety training drills are usually conducted at the site of the nuclear power plant and its surroundings to prepare for real emergencies.”