Somalia

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Woman Claims Rape— and Somalia Charges Her

Government accuses her of trying to discredit it, profit

(Newser) - Today's tale of alleged injustice comes out of Somalia, where a human rights group says that a woman who reported being raped by security forces was herself charged by the government. Her crime? Simulating a criminal offense and making a false accusation, among other charges; those two carry a...

UN to Investigate US, UK Drone Attacks

Critics say drone strikes hit civilians, violate int'l laws

(Newser) - In the face of mounting criticism about US and UK drone strikes , the United Nations is going to investigate the use of drones in targeted killings in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, reports the Guardian . The investigation will look at drone strikes in Mali and those made by Israel into...

France Thinks Hostage Dead After Botched Somali Raid

But his captors dispute the claim

(Newser) - French commandos launched a raid in Somalia today to free a hostage held since 2009, but it appears to have ended disastrously: The French government says the hostage, identified as Denis Allex, was killed during the raid by his al-Shabab captors, reports AP . The militant group, however, claims that Allex...

Most, Least Corrupt Nations
 Most, Least 
 Corrupt Nations 
Dec 5, 2012 12:41 PM CST

Most, Least Corrupt Nations

North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia fare worst in annual rankings

(Newser) - Surprise, surprise: North Korea is perceived as highly corrupt, according to Transparency International's annual rankings . The group gave 176 nations a score from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). Here's a look at some of the findings:
  • Afghanistan and Somalia tied North Korea for last place, each
...

Gunmen Kill Somali Man, 100 Arrested

Ahmed Nure Awdiini was a prominent businessman

(Newser) - It's not the kind of math you see every day: A prominent Somali businessman was assassinated in Mogadishu, and more than 100 people have subsequently been arrested for questioning, reports the BBC . Gunmen reportedly fired at Ahmed Nure Awdiini outside his office, striking him in the chest. Awdiini led...

FBI's Newest Most Wanted Terrorist Is From ... Alabama

'Rapping Jihadist' Omar Shafik Hammami believed to be in Somalia

(Newser) - The latest addition to the FBI's most wanted terrorist list hits close to home. Alabama native Omar Shafik Hammami, 28, was indicted in 2007 for allegedly providing material support to terrorists and labeled a terrorist a year later, reports the LA Times . He was seen rapping in a recruitment...

Kenya Attacks Somali Militants' Last Stronghold

Al-Shabab being pushed out of Kismayo

(Newser) - Kenyan military forces have claimed victory after a pre-dawn beach landing on the last port city held by al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia. The operation to seize Kismayo, al-Shabab's last major stronghold, met minimal resistance, the Kenyan military's top spokesman says. The attack "began five days ago with...

Aargh. The End of Somalia's Pirate Days?

Pirates "live like refugees" due to global military efforts

(Newser) - It's been anything but smooth sailing for Somali pirates lately, as the heady days of hijacking and plunder dry up at the hands of international military efforts and simple on-board security enhancements, reports the AP . The flow of whiskey has ebbed and the hookers have gone home in villages...

Somalia Inaugurates New President

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sworn in days after assassination attempt

(Newser) - Somalia's new leader was inaugurated today amid tight security in the capital, Mogadishu, four days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud survived an assassination attempt . Mohamud, a teacher and activist, won the election last week against outgoing President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed by the legislative vote of 190 to 79....

Police: Blasts at Home of Somalia's New President

One person killed, but president is safe

(Newser) - Two explosions near the gate of the temporary home of Somalia's new president killed at least one person today, according to police. A police corporal said he was guarding the Somalia immigration department near the Jazeera Hotel when the blasts occurred. An official inside Jazeera Hotel, who asked for...

Somali Olympian Drowns Trying to Emigrate to Italy

Mogadishu Islamists threatened her life

(Newser) - A Somali Olympic female runner drowned as she tried to emigrate to Italy on a boat from Libya, Italian media revealed yesterday. The boat sank as Samia Yusuf Omar, 21, made her desperate bid to escape her African home in April, reports the BBC . Samia faced death threats from the...

In Somalia Skies, a Dangerous Drone Traffic Jam

UN report cites close calls with banned military drones

(Newser) - The White House may barely acknowledge US operations in Somalia , but apparently there are so many drones zipping around the region that they are endangering local air traffic and perhaps violating a 1992 arms embargo, reports the Washington Post . A new UN report details narrowly averted disasters, including a near-miss...

Argh! Sea Piracy Plunges 54%
 Aargh! Sea Piracy Plunges 54% 
Jul 16, 2012 3:49 AM CDT

Aargh! Sea Piracy Plunges 54%

Patrols off Somalia credited with dramatic drop

(Newser) - Sea piracy worldwide fell by 54% in the first half of 2012, led by a dramatic drop in Somali piracy, according to an international maritime watchdog. The International Maritime Bureau attributed the sharp drop to "pre-emptive and disruptive counter piracy tactics" by international navies patrolling in seas off Somalia...

Widow of London Bomber Training Female Terrorists

Called 'white sister,' Lewthwaite connected to terror around East Africa

(Newser) - The 28-year-old widow of one of the terrorists in the 2005 London transit bombings is now living in Somalia, working with al-Shabaab militants and recruiting and training female terrorists, reports the Telegraph . Samantha Lewthwaite, who is known as "Dada Mzung" or "white sister" in Swahili, has been in...

Al-Qaeda Enemy No. 1 Killed in Yemen

Suicide bombing follows recent military successes

(Newser) - A suicide bomber assassinated Yemen's army commander leading the fight against al-Qaeda in the country's south, the defense ministry said, just days after the military made major gains in its campaign to rout militants from their southern strongholds. Maj. Gen. Salem Ali al-Quton was traveling in a three-car...

US: Yes, We're Fighting in Somalia, Yemen

Obama acknowledges battles against extremists there

(Newser) - For the first time, President Obama has publicly acknowledged the United States has engaged in "direct action" against al-Qaeda-affiliated groups in Somalia and Yemen, telling Congress in a letter that the militants pose terrorist threats to "the United States and our interests," reports the New York Times...

World Now a More Peaceful Place


 World Now a More 
 Peaceful Place 
new study
Jun 12, 2012 9:32 AM CDT

World Now a More Peaceful Place

Syria isn't doing so hot, but globally, 2012 is looking better

(Newser) - You wouldn't know it from Newser's coverage , but apparently the world has become a more peaceful place in 2012. Reuters reports that the Global Peace Index registered its first boost in two years, after surveying everything from civil unrest to military spending in 158 countries. The Middle East...

Al-Shabab Puts Bounty on Obama's Head: 10 Camels

But only 10 chickens and 10 roosters for Hillary Clinton

(Newser) - The US placed bounties on the heads of several top al-Shabab commanders last week, and the Somali militants were so impressed that they're now copying the tactic. Of course, their payouts aren't quite as impressive as the $3 million to $7 million the US is offering. "Whoever...

Denmark: We Busted 2 Would-Be Terrorists

Somali-born brothers overheard discussing methods and targets

(Newser) - Danish intelligence officials say they've arrested two brothers who were plotting an unspecified terrorist attack. The brothers, ages 18 and 23, were born in Somalia, but have spent most of their lives in Denmark and are Danish citizens. Authorities say they were overheard discussing methods, targets, and types of...

33 Injured in Kenya Blast
 33 Injured in Kenya Blast 
May 28, 2012 1:45 PM CDT

33 Injured in Kenya Blast

Al-Shabab has threatened such an attack in the past

(Newser) - An explosion ripped through a building full of small shops in downtown Nairobi today, injuring at least 33 people, including a woman who blamed the blast on a "bearded man" who left behind a bag shortly before the detonation. Police officials first indicated the explosion could have been caused...

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