Metro

Dozens of al-Shabab terrorists eliminated by villagers in fierce battle in Central Somalia

Published

3 years ago

June 18, 2022

The Somali Army says dozens of al-Shabaab terrorists have been killed in fierce fighting between residents backed by government forces and al-Shabab militants in the town of Adado in central Somalia on Friday.

Somali officials and witnesses in the region said the fighting erupted when members of the terrorist group invaded the small town of Bahdo, about 60 kilometers east of Adado, but met stiff resistance from the residents.

The Somali military spokesman, Yabal Haji Aden, who confirmed the incident while addressing journalists at a press conference, said the militants began their attack with a suicide vehicle-borne explosive which they detonated near the entrance of the town.

“They tried to detonate three explosives-laden vehicles … one of which detonated when our soldiers hit it with a rocket-propelled grenade.

“They then abandoned the second one, and the third vehicle escaped,” the military spokesman said.

The Galguduud regional Governor Ali Elmi Ganey who also spoke at the press conference, said the joint forces killed about 47 fighters from the extremist group.

“The terrorists have tasted death, both inside and outside of the town. They left 47 dead bodies, guns and military ammunition,” Ganey said.

Residents in the town and officials however, said three children, a well-known religious scholar and three soldiers were also killed during the fighting.

The Information Minister for Galguduud administrative region, Ahmed Shire Falagle, said the militants’ attack on the town did not come as a surprise as they had intelligence reports of the impending attack.

“Our forces, those of Ahlu-Sunna and the residents, were tipped off prior to the al-Shabab attack,” he said, adding that al-Shabab suffered about 100 casualties, including the dead and injured.

Friday’s fighting was said to be the deadliest in recent years for al-Shabab and came days after Somalia’s president appointed a new prime minister, who has called the fight against al-Shabab a priority.

Related Topics:Al-Shabaab Featured Somalia Terrorists

Click to comment

Metro

Zambia: Expert warns of food security threat due to climate change

Published

10 minutes ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A prominent Zambian climate-smart agriculture expert, Oliver Bulaya, has warned of a collapse of the county’s agricultural sector with a potential threat to food security due to the worsening impact of climate change.

Bulaya, who bared his mind in an interview with Zambia Monitor on Friday, warned that ignoring the crisis could lead to severe disruptions in the country’s food supply and economy.

“Unless concerted efforts are made, the country will continue facing dire consequences from climate change,” the expert noted.

He lamented a growing trend of farmers relocating to regions experiencing above-normal rainfall, such as the northern block, as they struggle with losses caused by climate variability.

Bulaya emphasized that the once-reliable rainfall areas like North-Western Zambia are now experiencing lower precipitation, as seen during the 2023/2024 farming season and cautioned that poor farming practices, which had already strained the Southern region, could lead to similar challenges in other parts of the country if proactive measures were not implemented.

Metro

Outrage over murder of Nigerian beaten to death by South Africans inside estate security office

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian community, under the auspices of Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), has raised the alarm over the murder of a 37-year-old Nigerian, Julius Chukwunta, who was beaten to death by four South Africans inside an estate.

According to the association, Chukwunta, a native of Aninri Local Government Area in Enugu State, was reportedly attacked on Saturday, December 7, while driving to his residence in Midrand Protea Estate.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the President-General of NICASA, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, Chukwunta was blocked by the four men while approaching his residence.

Onyekwelu stated that information available to the association noted that after attempting to pass through, Chukwunta was met with resistance by the assailants, prompting him to seek help at the security office of the estate.

“At that moment, the four men allegedly attacked him, leaving him severely injured with a head wound,” the PG said.

“His female companion, who was sitting in the car, rushed to the security office and discovered him bleeding on the ground.

“In spite of attempts to call for help, the security office and residents did not assist in calling the police or an ambulance.

“After an hour, Chukwunta’s partner contacted her father, who, along with other family members, took him to Tembisa General Hospital.

“Chukwunta was placed on life support but later succumbed to his injuries and died at the Tembisa General Hospital on December 10, 2024.”

Onyekwelu also confirmed that the case was reported to the police by Chukwunta’s partner at the Midrand Police Station and was registered under file number 262/12/2024.

The NICASA President said the four suspects, aged 20, 24, 27, and 28, were arrested, and the case was presented in Alexandra Magistrate Court on December 13, 2024, where they were charged with murder.

“The court proceedings on December 18, 2024, saw three of the suspects granted bail of R10,000 each, while the fourth had not yet applied for bail. The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025.”

Onyekwelu however, expressed disappointment at the proceedings, wondering why three of the suspects were released on bail and vowed that the Nigerian community would continue to demand justice for Chukwunta and support his family.

He emphasised that the community would not rest until justice was served and the value of Nigerian lives was upheld in South Africa.