Somali Army Counters Terrorist Attack by Al-Shabaab Militias

Frame grab from video shoot Wednesday, March 12, 2025, showing Somali armed forces on patrol outside where a car bomb exploded Tuesday at a hotel in the central Somali city of Beledweyne, kicking off an hourslong militant attack that killed an unknown number of people. (AP)
Frame grab from video shoot Wednesday, March 12, 2025, showing Somali armed forces on patrol outside where a car bomb exploded Tuesday at a hotel in the central Somali city of Beledweyne, kicking off an hourslong militant attack that killed an unknown number of people. (AP)
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Somali Army Counters Terrorist Attack by Al-Shabaab Militias

Frame grab from video shoot Wednesday, March 12, 2025, showing Somali armed forces on patrol outside where a car bomb exploded Tuesday at a hotel in the central Somali city of Beledweyne, kicking off an hourslong militant attack that killed an unknown number of people. (AP)
Frame grab from video shoot Wednesday, March 12, 2025, showing Somali armed forces on patrol outside where a car bomb exploded Tuesday at a hotel in the central Somali city of Beledweyne, kicking off an hourslong militant attack that killed an unknown number of people. (AP)

The Somali National Army, on Saturday, said it countered a terrorist attack by Al-Shabaab militias in Awdheegle District of Lower Shabelle and the Buursha Sheekh area of Middle Shabelle.
A statement released by the Somali military and carried by the country’s news agency, SONNA, said the Army delivered a significant blow to Al-Shabaab militants attempting to attack their positions.
The army countered an attack in Awdheegle District of Lower Shabelle and the Buursha Sheekh area of Middle Shabelle, where the militants suffered substantial losses, the statement said.
In a separate operation last night, the statement said the National Forces raided a gathering of Al-Shabaab militants in the Labada Garas area of Middle Shabelle.
It said the forces successfully eliminated all fighters present at the site.
“The National Forces continue to intensify their offensive against the group, aiming to dismantle its remaining strongholds and to clear the rural areas in the south and center of the country,” the statement said.
The attacks in Awdheegle District and the Buursha Sheekh area came a few days after the Army said it successfully killed five prominent Khawarij leaders, in reference to the Al-Shabaab militants.
The leaders were killed while the Army countered a terrorist attack in El Ali Ahmed district in Middle Shabelle in central Somalia.
The army identified the five members of Al-Shabaab militias, which authorities say are waging an insurgency against the Somali government.
In recent weeks, at least 13 soldiers were killed in attacks by Al-Shabaab militia on three military bases in Somalia, according to the military.
On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, urged Somalis to stand together in support of the government and security forces in their efforts to eradicate terrorism.
“Our country has been invaded by a foreign terrorist ideology that has caused havoc for the past 18 years. Let us stand together and support our government and security forces in their war against terrorism,” he said, according to SONNA.
The President also honored the Somali Armed Forces, who are observing Ramadan while leading the fight to liberate the country from terrorism.

 



Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
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Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo

Belgium's King Philippe described abuses in Gaza as a "disgrace to humanity" in a speech on the eve of Monday's national day, unusually direct remarks on international affairs from a monarch who traditionally avoids public politics.

"I add my voice to all those who denounce the serious humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs while trapped in their enclaves," he said speaking at his palace in Brussels, Reuters reported.

"The current situation has gone on for far too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately end this unbearable crisis."

It was the first time Philippe has spoken out so strongly and unambiguously about a conflict in public. Belgium's federal government has been more reserved in its criticism of the conflict in Gaza.

The king's role in Belgium is limited to giving advice, support, and warnings to the government without making any political decisions.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza following an October 2023 attack on Israeli towns by Hamas-led fighters. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials there. Much of the territory has been laid to waste and Israel has restricted food and other supplies.

Israel denies that its forces commit abuses in Gaza and says restrictions on supplies are needed to prevent aid from being diverted by militants.