Baidoa Online
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Non-partisan, journalist-run platform reporting on current issues in Somalia. https://t.co/Cr6lGiHHpP Ads/opinions: send to [email protected]
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#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Leader Sheikh Ali Dheere Sends Son on Suicide Mission in Godka Jilicow Attack – 5 October 2025 In a disturbing propaganda release timed for Eid, Al-Shabaab revealed that one of its senior figures sent his own son to participate in a suicide attack on the NISA detention facility at Godka Jilicow in Mogadishu on 5 October 2025. The video identifies the young attacker as Abdirahman, the son of the group’s spokesman Ali Mahmoud Rage, also known as Sheikh Ali Dheere. Analysts note that this is only the second time in Al-Shabaab’s history that senior leadership has involved their own children in such missions. The first recorded instance was in 2013, when the son of former Al-Shabaab governor Yusuf Sheikh Isse, known as Kaba-kutukade, carried out a suicide bombing at the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu.
Baidoa Online1,032,861 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten
#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Issues Strong Warning Over Israeli Recognition of Somaliland The militant group Al-Shabaab has issued a stern warning regarding what it described as Israeli recognition of Somaliland, threatening violent action if such engagement takes place. In an audio message attributed to senior figures within the group, Al-Shabaab claimed that Israel would “regret” any presence or activity in Somaliland. The group stated that it would actively confront Israeli interests should they enter the region. There has been no official confirmation from either Somaliland or Israeli authorities regarding the claims made in the audio recording. Security analysts note that such statements are consistent with Al-Shabaab’s propaganda efforts and broader regional messaging.
Baidoa Online121,449 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
#ALERT: An Al-Shabaab figure, Sheikh Aadan Sunne, has issued a strong warning to the authorities in Somaliland, threatening violent action in response to any alleged Israeli presence in the region. A senior figure associated with the militant group Al-Shabaab, Sheikh Aadan Sunne, has issued a strong warning directed at the authorities in Somaliland, threatening violent action in response to any alleged Israeli presence in the region. In a brief recorded statement circulated online, Sunne—who is originally from Somaliland—claimed that if Israeli forces were to establish a physical presence on Somaliland territory, Al-Shabaab would launch what he described as a “jihad” against both Israel and Somaliland. He accused Somaliland authorities of cooperating with foreign actors and warned of serious consequences if such cooperation were to materialize. There has been no official confirmation from Somaliland authorities regarding the claims made in the statement, nor any verified evidence of Israeli troops planning to deploy on Somaliland soil. Government officials have not yet publicly responded to Sunne’s remarks. Security analysts note that such statements are often used by extremist groups to spread fear, rally supporters, and exert pressure on regional governments. The situation remains closely monitored amid ongoing concerns about militant activity in the Horn of Africa.
Baidoa Online81,467 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
#ALERT: Puntland Declares Hassan Sheikh a “Former President” Puntland Government has announced that it no longer recognizes Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the legitimate president of Somalia, declaring that the Federal Government has lost the legal mandate under which it was elected. The statement came as Puntland authorities welcomed resolutions issued by the “Future of Somalia Council,” amid escalating political tensions between #Garowe and #Mogadishu. According to Puntland officials, the regional cabinet agreed that Somali stakeholders — particularly influential political and community leaders — should urgently convene to discuss what it described as the country’s “uncertain future” and worsening political direction. Puntland also warned foreign governments and international organizations against entering into agreements with what it called an “unconsented administration,” arguing that such deals could undermine their long-term interests and legitimacy in Somalia. The regional administration further condemned what it described as Federal Government actions involving land seizures, forced displacement, and the detention of individuals holding opposing political views. The latest declaration marks a significant escalation in the long-running dispute between Puntland and the Federal Government, raising fresh concerns over political fragmentation and constitutional tensions in Somalia. For more information Visit our website:
Baidoa Online11,432 Aufrufe • vor 19 Tagen
#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Releases Video of Kenyan UN Worker Held in Somalia, Following Earlier Video of Ukrainian UN Pilot The Kenyan national, who is in Al-Shabaab custody, was serving as a member of an aero-medical evacuation team with the United Nations Mission in Somalia when he was captured in January 2024. He was taken hostage after the UN helicopter he was flying made an emergency landing due to a technical malfunction near Xiindheere District in the Galgaduud region. In the video, he appeals directly to Kenyan President William Ruto and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, urging them to take steps to secure his release. He also calls on the Kenyan public to show solidarity and advocate for his freedom. The video was circulated via social media platforms associated with Al-Shabaab militants. As of now, neither the United Nations nor Kenyan authorities have issued a public statement regarding the video or the status of the captive.
Baidoa Online64,166 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
This is great, man. “A fitting response to those with Somali phobia: • The biggest mall in Dakar is owned by a Somali. • The biggest mall in Lusaka is owned by a Somali. • The biggest mall in Lubumbashi is owned by a Somali. • The biggest mall in Nairobi is owned by a Somali.”
Baidoa Online50,087 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
“90-Year-Old Father Left Homeless After Government Forces Forcibly Demolish His Home for Businessmen Linked to the Somali President” A deeply emotional incident has sparked public concern in Xamar Jajab District, particularly in the Iskool-Buluusiya neighborhood, after the home of an elderly Somali man, identified as Adan Hussein Isaaq, reportedly nearing 90 years of age, was demolished. The incident has been widely blamed on the Federal Government of Somalia, with critics arguing that the action directly affected a vulnerable elderly citizen with limited means and no protection.
Baidoa Online14,015 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat
#ALERT: Somaliland-origin MPs in Somalia’s Federal Parliament, currently in Mogadishu, openly back Somaliland’s position. Somaliland-origin MPs in Somalia’s Federal Parliament, currently in Mogadishu, have issued a strong and unprecedented statement on the dispute between the Federal Government and Somaliland. They openly back Somaliland’s position, reject forced unity, and call for direct North–South talks based on the 1960 union agreement between Somaliland and Somalia. The MPs accuse the Federal Government of lacking a clear unity plan, warn against divisive rhetoric, and stress that unity cannot be imposed by force. “Denying Somaliland or framing the crisis through clan politics is not a solution to Somalia’s problems.”
Baidoa Online46,223 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Militant Group Vows Deadly Response to Forced Evictions in Mogadishu Somalia’s Al-Shabaab militant group has released a 29-minute propaganda video threatening action against businessmen and government officials allegedly involved in land grabbing and forced evictions in Mogadishu. In the video, spokesperson Sheikh Ali Dheere declared that seized land in the capital “cannot be developed or constructed upon” and warned that the group would take “serious measures” against anyone engaged in selling or transferring public land. The recording, posted on Al-Shabaab’s social media channels, was purportedly filmed during a graduation ceremony at the Sheikh Muhammad Mire training camp, where large numbers of fighters appeared to be present. The footage raises questions over how the group was able to stage such a gathering undetected, despite intensified U.S. and allied airstrikes in recent months targeting senior Al-Shabaab commanders. Security analysts say the video is significant not only because it directly references ongoing forced evictions and land disputes in Mogadishu, but also because it underscores Al-Shabaab’s attempt to exploit widespread public anger for political and ideological gain. The release comes amid heightened counterterrorism operations across Somalia, where Al-Shabaab remains the country’s deadliest insurgent group, carrying out frequent bombings, assassinations, and attacks against government and civilian targets.
Baidoa Online67,176 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
Abwaan Cabdiwaaxid Cali Gama’diid, Former Somali Poet, Seen Firing RPG at Target in Al-Shabaab Propaganda Video After Joining Militants. Al-Shabaab has released a new video showcasing hundreds of its newly trained fighters, including Abwaan Cabdiwaaxid Cali Gama’diid, a former Somali poet who reportedly joined the militant group in late 2024. Gama’diid, once a highly respected and well-known figure in Somali literary circles, was seen in the footage firing an RPG alongside other militants. His defection to Al-Shabaab has shocked many in the Somali community, given his previous reputation as an influential poet. The video, released by Al-Shabaab’s media wing, claims to feature fighters who have recently completed military training under the group’s command. The presence of Gama’diid highlights the group’s ongoing efforts to recruit individuals from various backgrounds, including intellectual and cultural figures. His transformation from a well known poet to an armed militant raises concerns about the radicalization of influential figures and the broader impact on Somali society. Security experts warn that such defections could be used as propaganda tools to attract more recruits to the insurgency.
Baidoa Online76,066 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Eases Smartphone Ban, Youths in Controlled Areas Flock to TikTok The militant group Al-Shabaab has reportedly allowed residents, particularly young people in areas under its control, to use smartphones — a technology that was previously banned. Reports indicate that many youths are now recording TikTok videos, including songs, from areas controlled by the militant group. Analysts describe this as a significant shift in Al-Shabaab’s policy. Political observers suggest the move may signal that Al-Shabaab is preparing to adopt strategies similar to those once seen in Afghanistan. “Analysts: Al-Shabaab’s Smartphone Move Mirrors Taliban-Style Strategy”
Baidoa Online48,511 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
#ALERT: Al-Shabaab Releases Video Showing Militant Training and Recruitment A newly released video by Al-Shabaab militants highlights a training camp where the group claims hundreds of new fighters have graduated. The footage has raised concerns among security analysts, who warn of serious consequences if Al-Shabaab continues to recruit fighters without detection by the government and its security partners. While the exact date of the event remains unclear, the release of such videos has become more frequent in recent months. Observers have cautioned that Al-Shabaab appears to be gaining momentum in its recruitment efforts, posing a growing security threat.
Baidoa Online69,409 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
#ALERT: 14th October Brigade Commander Shot Dead by Uniformed Soldier While Addressing Troops in Broad Daylight. The Commander of the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade, Colonel Nur Mohamed Gabow, commonly known as Nur Farey, was shot dead on Saturday in the vicinity of Afgooye district, located in the Lower Shabelle region. According to local sources, the incident occurred while Colonel Nur Farey was addressing troops who were preparing for operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab. A soldier dressed in Somali National Army uniform reportedly opened fire on the commander during his speech, and instantly died in the spot. It remains unclear whether the attacker was an actual member of the Somali National Army or an infiltrator disguised in military uniform. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the assailant was immediately shot and killed by security forces at the scene. Colonel Nur Farey was a key military figure in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab. The 14th October Brigade was established following the devastating truck bombing at Mogadishu’s Zoobe Junction on October 14, 2017, which killed hundreds of civilians. The unit is composed mainly of young, educated Somalis motivated to combat terrorism in the country. The man speaking in the video below is the commander who was assassinated.
Baidoa Online62,876 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
#ALERT: The moment the mortar blasts were heard at Baidoa Airport, while the Somali President was about to greet officials, the presidential guards were seen moving quickly to secure him. The President was greeting and waving to welcoming crowds shortly after landing when a sudden loud blast was heard, prompting alarm among those present. Security forces immediately shouted commands and moved swiftly to secure the area and escort the President to safety. The incident caused brief panic, highlighting the fragile security situation in the city.
Baidoa Online13,615 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten
#UPDATE:: Baidoa Fighting Enters Second Day Amid Claims of Federal Government Backing for Militias Fighting in Baidoa has entered a second day as South West State security forces continue operations against armed militia groups that regional authorities say are supported and financed by the federal government of Somalia. Clashes are currently ongoing in the neighbourhood of the residence of the Federal Minister for Livestock, Forestry and Range, Hassan Eelay, according to local sources. South West State security officials confirmed that the operation is aimed at dismantling what they described as armed gangs destabilising the city. An officer speaking to the media said the offensive would continue until the fighters lay down their weapons. There has been no immediate comment from the federal government regarding the allegations of support for the militia. Casualty figures and the extent of damage remain unclear as the situation continues to develop.
Baidoa Online19,161 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
#Barawe: For those who have never traveled beyond their villages or towns, it may seem that Somali only consists of Maay and Maxaa tiri dialects. However, listen to this young man from Barawa town in Somalia’s South West State, speaking the Barawe language. If you do not understand any of his words, it suggests that your understanding of the Somali language is incomplete.
Baidoa Online54,359 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr