The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said.&nbsp;

Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast.

So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office.&nbsp;

"I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion.

Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows.

"All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition."

Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by&nbsp;Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda.

The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries&nbsp;attacks in neighbouring Kenya.&nbsp;

A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured.

The death toll rose to 61 in a car bomb explosion at a busy checkpoint in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, an ambulance official said on Saturday. "So far, we've carried 61 dead people and 51 others injured. There are more casualties and the death toll is sure to rise," Abdikadir Abdirahman Haji Aden, founder of Aamin ambulances, said. Mogadishu Mayor Omar Muhamoud said that at least 90 civilians,which are mostly students have been injured in the blast. So far, no group has taken responsibility for the attack. The area of the blast witnessed heavy traffic due to a security checkpoint and a taxation office. "I have counted twenty-two dead bodies, all of them civilians and there were more than thirty others wounded, this was dark day," said Ahmed Moalim Warsame, a witness of the explosion. Sakariye Abdukadir, who was near the site of the incident, said that the blast destroyed several of his car's windows. "All I could see was scattered dead bodies... amid the blast and some of them burned beyond recognition." Mogadishu regularly witnesses attacks and bomb explosions waged by Al-Shabaab Islamist militants allied to Al-Qaeda. The group was forced out in 2011 from Mogadishu but still control parts of the countryside and carries attacks in neighbouring Kenya. A popular hotel in Mogadishu was attacked by al-Shabaab militants two weeks ago where more than five people were killed.

Somalia: Death toll jumps to 61 in car bomb attack in Mogadishu

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops.&nbsp;

Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

"Locusts already ate our grazing area so we are now fighting to save at least our farm, where we planted watermelon and beans. We aren't able to protect them and we call on the Somali government and international community to help us", said Jamad Mohamed, a farmer in Dhusamareb, the provincial capital of Galgadud, a semi-autonomous region.

"Locusts devoured the whole area and have now reached our farm to eat our plants, as you can see," said Jirow Qorhere, another Somali farmer. "This is the end, we have nothing left to feed our children and we aren’t even able to buy from the market."

According to sources, the insects have destroyed 175,000 acres of farmland in Somalia and neighbouring Ethiopia. This has put their food supplies under threat. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) called it the worst locust invasion in 70 years.

(With inputs from agencies)

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops. Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported.

Somalia is facing a locust attack, with the farmers pleading the government and the international community to protect their crops. Many are unable to feed their families owing to the attack, Reuters reported. "Locusts already ate our grazing area so we are now fighting to save at least our farm, where we planted watermelon and beans. We aren't able to protect them and we call on the Somali government and international community to help us", said Jamad Mohamed, a farmer in Dhusamareb, the provincial capital of Galgadud, a semi-autonomous region. "Locusts devoured the whole area and have now reached our farm to eat our plants, as you can see," said Jirow Qorhere, another Somali farmer. "This is the end, we have nothing left to feed our children and we aren’t even able to buy from the market." According to sources, the insects have destroyed 175,000 acres of farmland in Somalia and neighbouring Ethiopia. This has put their food supplies under threat. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) called it the worst locust invasion in 70 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Locust invasion in Somalia threatens livelihoods of farmers

Over the next six months, more than 100 000 hectares of land will require direct control interventions in Somalia. #Somalia #Locust #Africa

Somalia hit by worst locust invasion in 25 years

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pulwama-terror-attack-can-india-respond-like-israel-197942">attack </a>on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats.

"Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement.

"The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly".

Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion.

They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace.

After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details.

The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed".

Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda&nbsp;was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu.

The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya.

The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings.

Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan.

"It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added,

Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began.

"I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed.

"The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who."

Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall.

In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people.

Then in August of the same year, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-in-suicide-car-bomb-attack--on-security-checkpoint-in-iraq-162275">suicide car bomb attack</a> on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege.

Five people including three civilians were killed when jihadist militants stormed a hotel in Somalia's capital, police said Wednesday, adding that all five attackers had also died after an hours-long siege. The attack on Tuesday evening, claimed by the Islamist group al-Shabaab, took place at a hotel in Mogadishu popular with politicians, army officers, and diplomats. "Our brave security forces ended the terror attack on SYL hotel rescuing more than 80 people" including government officials and hotel guests, police said in a statement. "The number of the dead we have confirmed is five, among them two members of the security forces and three civilians. Nine other civilians and two soldiers were also wounded slightly". Several witnesses told AFP that the assailants were dressed in police uniform, which allowed them to approach the hotel without arousing suspicion. They then opened fire and threw grenades, triggering an armed response from security forces guarding checkpoints leading to the nearby presidential palace. After several hours of siege, police killed the two last attackers holed up inside the hotel, which has suffered three previous deadly attacks, all claimed by al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab posted a statement online saying it had carried out an operation "which happened as planned", but gave no further details. The police statement said the attack was carried out "by five people who have been sent by the terrorists to threaten the Somali public and all of them were killed". Al-Shabaab allied to Al-Qaeda was forced out of the Somali capital in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and continues to launch attacks in Mogadishu. The group often strikes the most prominent hotels and restaurants and has also staged attacks in neighboring Kenya. The SYL hotel is close to the main entrance of the Villa Somalia government complex, a high-security area that includes the presidential palace, the prime minister's office, and ministry buildings. Unusually for an al-Shabaab attack, the jihadists did not use a car bomb to try and blast through the hotel's exterior wall, said police officer Suleyman Adan. "It appears that the attackers have changed their tactics. It was easy for them to disguise themselves and enter the building," he added, Adan said that a large number of hotel guests had been quickly evacuated by police through the hotel's service doors and emergency exits. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as the attack began. "I was close to the hotel when the gunfire broke out and we managed to turn our vehicle swiftly," said Abdukadir Ahmed. "The security forces around the palace checkpoints were firing heavy machine-guns but we don't exactly know who was fighting who." Another witness, Ali Moalim Nur, told AFP that one of his friends who escaped the hotel had suffered a fracture after jumping off a wall. In January 2015, five people were killed when a suicide car bomber rammed the gates of the same hotel on the eve of a visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In February 2016, twin blasts set off close to the SYL hotel and the neighboring Peace Garden killed 14 people. Then in August of the same year, a suicide car bomb attack on the hotel killed 15 people.

Five killed in jihadist attack on Somali hotel

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours.

The agreement, announced by Kenya's presidency late Thursday, followed a meeting in Nairobi between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

The East African leaders "reaffirmed the invaluable relations that exist between Kenya and Somalia and agreed to explore avenues of strengthening bilateral and diplomatic ties" between them, a statement from Kenyatta's office said.

Kenyatta and Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, were seen smiling and shaking hands in photographs posted by the Kenyan presidency on Twitter.

The statement made no mention of a territorial dispute between Somalia and Kenya over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas.

Relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi deteriorated earlier this year after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area.

Nairobi recalled its ambassador from Mogadishu&nbsp;in February in the row over which of the East African neighbours controls access to the lucrative deposits -- a dispute they've taken to the International Court of Justice.

The contested triangle of water, which stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square kilometres&nbsp;lies in a part of Africa only recently found to be sitting on significant energy reserves.

Somalia also accused Kenya earlier this year of detaining and confiscating the passports of Somali ministers trying to enter the country.

Mogadishu formally complained about Kenya restricting entry visas to MPs and cabinet ministers allegedly forced to return to Somalia despite holding diplomatic passports.

Somalia had also raised concerns that Kenya has reinstated a mandatory stop at Wajir, near the border between the two countries, for a security check on all flights from Somalia, a practice discontinued in 2016.

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours.

Kenya and Somalia have agreed to "normalise" relations and start reissuing travel visas to each other's citizens after a long-running dispute over marine borders strained ties between the neighbours. The agreement, announced by Kenya's presidency late Thursday, followed a meeting in Nairobi between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. The East African leaders "reaffirmed the invaluable relations that exist between Kenya and Somalia and agreed to explore avenues of strengthening bilateral and diplomatic ties" between them, a statement from Kenyatta's office said. Kenyatta and Mohamed, better known by his nickname Farmajo, were seen smiling and shaking hands in photographs posted by the Kenyan presidency on Twitter. The statement made no mention of a territorial dispute between Somalia and Kenya over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas. Relations between Mogadishu and Nairobi deteriorated earlier this year after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area. Nairobi recalled its ambassador from Mogadishu in February in the row over which of the East African neighbours controls access to the lucrative deposits -- a dispute they've taken to the International Court of Justice. The contested triangle of water, which stretches over an area of more than 100,000 square kilometres lies in a part of Africa only recently found to be sitting on significant energy reserves. Somalia also accused Kenya earlier this year of detaining and confiscating the passports of Somali ministers trying to enter the country. Mogadishu formally complained about Kenya restricting entry visas to MPs and cabinet ministers allegedly forced to return to Somalia despite holding diplomatic passports. Somalia had also raised concerns that Kenya has reinstated a mandatory stop at Wajir, near the border between the two countries, for a security check on all flights from Somalia, a practice discontinued in 2016.

Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-security-forces-end-militant-attack-on-hotel-that-killed-13-including-two-journalists-police-235464">Al-Shabaab terrorist&nbsp;group </a>struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said.&nbsp;

"Two heavy explosions occurred, the first one bigger than the other. There was also a heavy exchange of gunfire after the blasts but we don't know about the details," Mohamed Adan, a Somali elder close to the scene of the attack on the US base at Baledogle, said.

Omar Abikar, a Somali security officer, confirmed the second, separate attack in the capital Mogadishu on Monday morning against a convoy carrying EU advisers, adding "there are casualties".

In a statement, Al-Shabaab said: "In the early hours of Monday morning, an elite unit of soldiers... launched a daring raid on the US military base".

"After breaching the perimeter of the heavily fortified base, the Mujahideen (holy fighters) stormed the military complex, engaging the crusaders in an intense firefight."

The US Mission to Somalia denied Al-Shabaab fighters penetrated the camp defences, saying Somali security forces repelled the attack.

"The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base," the mission said in a statement.

"We are thankful that there were no SNA (Somali National Army) casualties between the multiple attacks."

Baledogle is a major launching site for US drone operations against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group which controls large parts of Somalia, and the Islamic State in Somalia outfit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Al-Shabaab terrorist group struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said.

The Al-Shabaab terrorist group struck a United States airbase in Somalia and a convoy of European Union military advisers in separate attacks on Monday, a security officer and witnesses said. "Two heavy explosions occurred, the first one bigger than the other. There was also a heavy exchange of gunfire after the blasts but we don't know about the details," Mohamed Adan, a Somali elder close to the scene of the attack on the US base at Baledogle, said. Omar Abikar, a Somali security officer, confirmed the second, separate attack in the capital Mogadishu on Monday morning against a convoy carrying EU advisers, adding "there are casualties". In a statement, Al-Shabaab said: "In the early hours of Monday morning, an elite unit of soldiers... launched a daring raid on the US military base". "After breaching the perimeter of the heavily fortified base, the Mujahideen (holy fighters) stormed the military complex, engaging the crusaders in an intense firefight." The US Mission to Somalia denied Al-Shabaab fighters penetrated the camp defences, saying Somali security forces repelled the attack. "The security forces stopped this ultimately failed attack due to their alertness and swift response, not allowing the attackers to breach the outer defensive perimeters of the base," the mission said in a statement. "We are thankful that there were no SNA (Somali National Army) casualties between the multiple attacks." Baledogle is a major launching site for US drone operations against Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-linked group which controls large parts of Somalia, and the Islamic State in Somalia outfit.

Al-Shabaab attacks US base, EU convoy in Somalia

For most of his life as a Samburu warrior, Lesaiton Lengoloni thought nothing of hunting giraffes, the graceful giants so common a feature of the Kenyan plains where he roamed.

For most of his life as a Samburu warrior, Lesaiton Lengoloni thought nothing of hunting giraffes, the graceful giants so common a feature of the Kenyan plains where he roamed. "There was no particular pride in killing a giraffe, not like a lion... (But) a single giraffe could feed the village for more than a week," the community elder told AFP, leaning on a walking stick and gazing out to the broad plateau of Laikipia. But fewer amble across his path these days: in Kenya, as across Africa, populations of the world's tallest mammals are quietly, yet sharply, in decline. Giraffe numbers across the continent fell 40 per cent between 1985 and 2015, to just under 100,000 animals, according to the best figures available to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). But unlike the clarion calls sounded over the catastrophic collapse of elephant, lion and rhino populations, less attention was paid to the giraffe's private crisis. "The giraffe is a big animal, and you can see it pretty easily in parks and reserves. This may have created a false impression that the species was doing well," said Julian Fennessy, co-chair of the IUCN's specialist group for giraffes and okapis. The rate of decline is much higher in central and eastern regions, with poaching, habitat destruction and conflict the main drivers blamed for thinning herds of these gentle creatures. In Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, reticulated giraffe numbers fell 60 per cent in the roughly three decades to 2018, the IUCN says. The Nubian giraffe meanwhile has suffered a tragic decline of 97 per cent, pushing this rarer variety toward total extinction. Further afield in Central Africa, the Kordofan giraffe, another of the multitude subspecies, has witnessed an 85 per cent decrease. In 2010, giraffes were a species of "least concern" on the IUCN red list. But six years later they leapt to "vulnerable", one step down from critical, catching many by surprise. "This is why for the giraffe we speak of the threat of a silent extinction," said Jenna Stacy-Dawes, research coordinator at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Mysterious giants Despite this, an international effort underway to put giraffes squarely on the global conservation agenda has divided professional opinion. Six African nations are pushing to regulate the international trade in giraffes under the UN Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which meets from August 17 to 28 in Geneva. Those advocating for the change, including Kenya, want the giraffe classified as "a species that, although not necessarily currently threatened with extinction, could become so if trade in their specimens were not closely controlled". Critics, however, say there is little evidence the international wildlife trade is responsible for dwindling giraffe numbers. A lack of reliable data has long hindered efforts to protect them. "Compared to other charismatic species like elephants, lions, and rhinos, we know very little about giraffes," said Symon Masiaine, a coordinator in the Twiga Walinzi giraffe study and protection programme, which began in Kenya in 2016. "Nowadays, we are still far behind, but we are making progress." Almost nothing is reliably known about giraffe populations in Somalia, South Sudan and eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where collecting such information is perilously difficult. But even research outside conflict zones has been patchy. Arthur Muneza, from the Giraffe Preservation Foundation, said the first long-term study of giraffes was not carried out until 2004. Data on giraffes are often gathered as an afterthought by researchers focussing on other wildlife, he added. "Without reliable data, it is more difficult to take appropriate conservation measures," Muneza said. It was not until 2018 that the IUCN had enough statistics to be able to differentiate the threat levels facing many giraffe subspecies. The reticulated and Masai giraffes, for example, were classified as "endangered" while the Nubian and Kordofan were "critically endangered". Trophy hunting Under the proposal before CITES, the legal trade in giraffe parts, including those obtained by trophy hunters on Africa's legal game reserves, would be globally regulated. Member countries would be required to record the export of giraffe parts or artifacts, something only the United States currently does, and permits would be required for their trade. But observers say the limited information available suggests most of this trade originates from places where giraffe numbers are rebounding, like South Africa and Namibia, where game hunting is legal. Muneza says there isn't a clear enough picture that the legal trade is linked to declining giraffe numbers. "The first step should be to conduct a study to find out the extent of international trade and its influence on giraffe populations," he said. Those supporting the proposal before Geneva talk of a "precautionary principle" doing something now before it is too late. For Masiaine, the Kenyan giraffe researcher, any publicity is good publicity for these poorly-understood long-necked herbivores. "It means that people are talking about the giraffe," he said. "And the species needs that."

Gentle giraffes threatened with 'silent extinction'

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters.

"The blast injured many local officials including my cousin," said Mohamed Abdullahi.

"The Mogadishu mayor is also injured ... A suicide bomber walked into the meeting hall and blew up himself."

&nbsp;

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters.

A suicide bomb attack on local government headquarters injured the mayor of Mogadishu and several other officials on Wednesday, a relative of one of the victims told Reuters. "The blast injured many local officials including my cousin," said Mohamed Abdullahi. "The Mogadishu mayor is also injured ... A suicide bomber walked into the meeting hall and blew up himself."

Mayor of Mogadishu, other officials hurt in Somalia suicide blast: Relative

People in Somalia have been criticising US President Donald Trump for saying Somali-born US congresswoman Ilhan Omar - and three other congresswomen from minority communities - should "go back" to their native countries.

Somalis on Trump telling congresswomen 'go back'

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 14th, 2019

Islamist gunmen killed 26 people, including Kenyans, Americans, a Briton and Tanzanians, when they stormed a hotel in Somalia's city of Kismayo. Watch this video to know more.

Somalia hotel attack: 26 killed and 56 injured

Nine civilians were executed by a local militia in war-torn Somalia after the killing of a policeman by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, police said Saturday.

The revenge attack on Friday just outside Galkayo -- one of the most developed cities in the centre of the country -- targeted the Rahanweyn clan, several of whose members are suspected of being Shabaab fighters.

"This was a horrible incident, a gruesome killing against nine unarmed innocent civilians in southern Galkayo. All of the civilians belong to one clan and the gunmen shot them dead in one location a few minutes after suspected Shabaab gunmen killed" a policeman, Mohamed Abdirahman, a local police official said.

"This is an unacceptable act and we will bring those perpetrators to justice," said Hussein Dini, a traditional elder.&nbsp;

"Their killing cannot be justified. It seems that the merciless gunmen were retaliating for the security official who they believe was killed by Al-Shabaab gunmen belonging to the clan of the victims."

Witnesses told local media that the victims were rounded up from the streets or their homes and then shot dead on the outskirts of Galkayo.

Local officials have in the past fingered the Rahanweyn clan for fomenting instability in the region and supplying fighters to the Shabaab.

The local militia which staged the revenge attack are from the Saad Habargidir, a sub-clan of the Hawiye group which is dominant in the southern part of the city.&nbsp;

Galkayo, situated about 600 kilometres (380 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, straddles the frontier with the self-proclaimed autonomous regions of Puntland and Galmudug.&nbsp;

The city has been the scene of violent clashes between forces of the two regions in recent years and also witnessed violence between the two rival clans occupying its northern and southern districts.

Nine civilians were executed by a local militia in war-torn Somalia after the killing of a policeman by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, police said Saturday.

Nine civilians were executed by a local militia in war-torn Somalia after the killing of a policeman by the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab, police said Saturday. The revenge attack on Friday just outside Galkayo -- one of the most developed cities in the centre of the country -- targeted the Rahanweyn clan, several of whose members are suspected of being Shabaab fighters. "This was a horrible incident, a gruesome killing against nine unarmed innocent civilians in southern Galkayo. All of the civilians belong to one clan and the gunmen shot them dead in one location a few minutes after suspected Shabaab gunmen killed" a policeman, Mohamed Abdirahman, a local police official said. "This is an unacceptable act and we will bring those perpetrators to justice," said Hussein Dini, a traditional elder. "Their killing cannot be justified. It seems that the merciless gunmen were retaliating for the security official who they believe was killed by Al-Shabaab gunmen belonging to the clan of the victims." Witnesses told local media that the victims were rounded up from the streets or their homes and then shot dead on the outskirts of Galkayo. Local officials have in the past fingered the Rahanweyn clan for fomenting instability in the region and supplying fighters to the Shabaab. The local militia which staged the revenge attack are from the Saad Habargidir, a sub-clan of the Hawiye group which is dominant in the southern part of the city. Galkayo, situated about 600 kilometres (380 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, straddles the frontier with the self-proclaimed autonomous regions of Puntland and Galmudug. The city has been the scene of violent clashes between forces of the two regions in recent years and also witnessed violence between the two rival clans occupying its northern and southern districts.

Nine civilians killed in Somalia revenge attack: police

The US military has confirmed that it had killed the second-ranking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/islamic-state-the-caliphate-is-off-the-map-for-now-but-war-against-the-organisation-is-far-from-over-209264">Islamic State leader in Somalia</a> in an air strike.

US Africa Command said that Abdulhakim Dhuqub was killed on Sunday in the strike vicinity of Xiriiro in the Bari region.

In the current assessment, the US military said the strike killed only Dhuqub and destroyed one vehicle.

"Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning and resource procurement," AFRICOM said in a statement.

The Islamic State group has a relatively small presence in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab fighters are more powerful and aligned with Al-Qaeda.

"We continue to work with our Somali partners to keep pressure on the Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia terror networks," said AFRICOM director of operations Marine Corps Major General Gregg Olson.

"When it supports the strategy, we use precision air strikes to target those who plan and carry out the violent extremist activities that put Somalis at risk."

In late 2018, the US military estimated that there were between 75 and 250 Islamic State fighters in Somalia, compared to 3,000 to 7,000 Shabaab fighters.

The US military has confirmed that it had killed the second-ranking Islamic State leader in Somalia in an air strike. US Africa Command said that Abdulhakim Dhuqub was killed on Sunday in the strike vicinity of Xiriiro in the Bari region.

The US military has confirmed that it had killed the second-ranking Islamic State leader in Somalia in an air strike. US Africa Command said that Abdulhakim Dhuqub was killed on Sunday in the strike vicinity of Xiriiro in the Bari region. In the current assessment, the US military said the strike killed only Dhuqub and destroyed one vehicle. "Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning and resource procurement," AFRICOM said in a statement. The Islamic State group has a relatively small presence in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab fighters are more powerful and aligned with Al-Qaeda. "We continue to work with our Somali partners to keep pressure on the Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia terror networks," said AFRICOM director of operations Marine Corps Major General Gregg Olson. "When it supports the strategy, we use precision air strikes to target those who plan and carry out the violent extremist activities that put Somalis at risk." In late 2018, the US military estimated that there were between 75 and 250 Islamic State fighters in Somalia, compared to 3,000 to 7,000 Shabaab fighters.

Islamic State No 2 Abdulhakim killed in Somalia air strike: US military

An attack involving gunmen and bomb blasts on a complex housing government ministries in Somalia's capital killed at least five people on Saturday, including the deputy labour minister, officials said.

Claimed by the Al-Shabaab Islamist group, the assault was a &nbsp;sign of the insurgency's continued ability to strike at the heart of Somalia's government, despite years of foreign military support for Mogadishu.

The attack began with two blasts at the gates of the complex housing the labour and works ministries.

Police say at least four gunmen then stormed the buildings, leading to a shootout.

"I saw the dead bodies of four people, one of them in police uniform," said Abdulahi Mohamed, who witnessed the attack.

Senator Ilyas Ali Hassan confirmed that Saqar Ibrahim Abdalla, the deputy minister for labour and social affairs, was also killed.

"I cannot elaborate on how he died but I can confirm that he was killed inside the ministry building," Hassan said.

Police official Ibrahim Mohamed said all the gunmen were killed.

"There were some other casualties including members of the police," he said, without elaborating.

The attack wounded at least 11 people, according to Abdukadir Abdirahman Adan, director of the Aamin ambulance service in &nbsp;Mogadishu.

Siege attacks

Attacks that combine bombings with gunmen have become a speciality of the Al-Qaeda linked group, which is running an armed insurrection against what it sees as heretic and foreign influence in Somalia.

The group emerged from Islamic Courts that once controlled central and southern Somalia and are variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men.

In 2010 the Shabaab declared their allegiance to Al-Qaeda. The following year, the group were chased out of Mogadishu by the 22,000-strong African Union peace-enforcement mission, AMISOM.

They have since lost many of their strongholds but retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war, frequently hitting Mogadishu.

In October 2017 a truck bombing in a busy neighbourhood of the capital killed over 500 people, the deadliest attack in Somalia to date.

Targeting Kenya

Among Al-Shabaab's adversaries is the US military, which has killed over 800 people in airstrikes targeting the insurgents over the last two years.

This week Amnesty International released a report challenging the US's claim that the airstrikes only killed "terrorists."

Amnesty researchers say at least 14 civilians were killed in US bombings. The US military denied the report.

The Shabaab have also carried out a string of attacks in Kenya since 2011.&nbsp;

The deadliest of these took place on April 2, 2015, when 148 people were killed at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya.

In 2013, a Shabaab raid on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall left 67 dead in a siege that unfolded over four days. And in January this year, 14 people were killed in a Shabaab-claimed attack on a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi.

An attack involving gunmen and bomb blasts on a complex housing government ministries in Somalia's capital killed at least five people on Saturday, including the deputy labour minister, officials said.

An attack involving gunmen and bomb blasts on a complex housing government ministries in Somalia's capital killed at least five people on Saturday, including the deputy labour minister, officials said. Claimed by the Al-Shabaab Islamist group, the assault was a sign of the insurgency's continued ability to strike at the heart of Somalia's government, despite years of foreign military support for Mogadishu. The attack began with two blasts at the gates of the complex housing the labour and works ministries. Police say at least four gunmen then stormed the buildings, leading to a shootout. "I saw the dead bodies of four people, one of them in police uniform," said Abdulahi Mohamed, who witnessed the attack. Senator Ilyas Ali Hassan confirmed that Saqar Ibrahim Abdalla, the deputy minister for labour and social affairs, was also killed. "I cannot elaborate on how he died but I can confirm that he was killed inside the ministry building," Hassan said. Police official Ibrahim Mohamed said all the gunmen were killed. "There were some other casualties including members of the police," he said, without elaborating. The attack wounded at least 11 people, according to Abdukadir Abdirahman Adan, director of the Aamin ambulance service in Mogadishu. Siege attacks Attacks that combine bombings with gunmen have become a speciality of the Al-Qaeda linked group, which is running an armed insurrection against what it sees as heretic and foreign influence in Somalia. The group emerged from Islamic Courts that once controlled central and southern Somalia and are variously estimated to number between 5,000 and 9,000 men. In 2010 the Shabaab declared their allegiance to Al-Qaeda. The following year, the group were chased out of Mogadishu by the 22,000-strong African Union peace-enforcement mission, AMISOM. They have since lost many of their strongholds but retain control of large rural swathes of the country and continue to wage a guerrilla war, frequently hitting Mogadishu. In October 2017 a truck bombing in a busy neighbourhood of the capital killed over 500 people, the deadliest attack in Somalia to date. Targeting Kenya Among Al-Shabaab's adversaries is the US military, which has killed over 800 people in airstrikes targeting the insurgents over the last two years. This week Amnesty International released a report challenging the US's claim that the airstrikes only killed "terrorists." Amnesty researchers say at least 14 civilians were killed in US bombings. The US military denied the report. The Shabaab have also carried out a string of attacks in Kenya since 2011. The deadliest of these took place on April 2, 2015, when 148 people were killed at Garissa University in northeastern Kenya. In 2013, a Shabaab raid on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall left 67 dead in a siege that unfolded over four days. And in January this year, 14 people were killed in a Shabaab-claimed attack on a luxury hotel complex in Nairobi.

Five dead in Somalia Shabaab raid, including deputy minister

Security forces on Friday ended a siege by<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nine-killed-in-somali-market-car-bombing-police-195063"> Al-Shabaab insurgents nearly</a> 24 hours after jihadists mounted an attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu that left at least 19 dead.

"The last terrorist gunman was killed after the security forces destroyed a room in which he was taking cover and the siege is over now," Ismail Muktar, the commissioner for Hamar Jajab district, told reporters.&nbsp;

"The security forces are clearing the area."

The attack began on Thursday evening at around 1800 GMT, when a Shabaab militant in a car blew himself up, causing a huge blast that ripped the front off a major hotel and left several cars in flames on the busy street.

Other fighters then stormed inside a building housing a restaurant, where they were quickly surrounded by police.

Sporadic shooting continued throughout Thursday night and into Friday.&nbsp;

Medics had pulled five bodies from the wreckage immediately after the explosion, but the recovery of more bodies was blocked for hours by the ensuing fighting.

And by Friday afternoon, they said the toll had climbed significantly.&nbsp;

"We have recovered 14 more dead bodies from under the rubble of collapsed buildings, bringing the total number of dead to 19," said Aamin Ambulance director Abdikadir Abdirahman.&nbsp;

At least 112 people were admitted to the city's three main hospitals, hospital sources said.

Heavy explosions could be heard coming from the building on Friday afternoon as elite soldiers appeared to move in to storm Shabaab positions.

The attack is the latest in a long line of bombing and assaults claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked group.&nbsp;

The organisation announced that fighters waged a "martyrdom-seeking" and commando operation against what it described as a "luxury hotel inhabited by government officials and security service officers".

The explosion which began the assault was so powerful that it tossed several vehicles into the air that then burst into flames.

Witnesses said the bombing took place in the early evening, when the street was filled with people relaxing after a day's work.

"The whole area was in flames," said Abdisamed Mohamed, a witness. "There was gunfire too."

Security forces on Friday ended a siege by Al-Shabaab insurgents nearly 24 hours after jihadists mounted an attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu that left at least 19 dead.

Security forces on Friday ended a siege by Al-Shabaab insurgents nearly 24 hours after jihadists mounted an attack in the Somali capital Mogadishu that left at least 19 dead. "The last terrorist gunman was killed after the security forces destroyed a room in which he was taking cover and the siege is over now," Ismail Muktar, the commissioner for Hamar Jajab district, told reporters. "The security forces are clearing the area." The attack began on Thursday evening at around 1800 GMT, when a Shabaab militant in a car blew himself up, causing a huge blast that ripped the front off a major hotel and left several cars in flames on the busy street. Other fighters then stormed inside a building housing a restaurant, where they were quickly surrounded by police. Sporadic shooting continued throughout Thursday night and into Friday. Medics had pulled five bodies from the wreckage immediately after the explosion, but the recovery of more bodies was blocked for hours by the ensuing fighting. And by Friday afternoon, they said the toll had climbed significantly. "We have recovered 14 more dead bodies from under the rubble of collapsed buildings, bringing the total number of dead to 19," said Aamin Ambulance director Abdikadir Abdirahman. At least 112 people were admitted to the city's three main hospitals, hospital sources said. Heavy explosions could be heard coming from the building on Friday afternoon as elite soldiers appeared to move in to storm Shabaab positions. The attack is the latest in a long line of bombing and assaults claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked group. The organisation announced that fighters waged a "martyrdom-seeking" and commando operation against what it described as a "luxury hotel inhabited by government officials and security service officers". The explosion which began the assault was so powerful that it tossed several vehicles into the air that then burst into flames. Witnesses said the bombing took place in the early evening, when the street was filled with people relaxing after a day's work. "The whole area was in flames," said Abdisamed Mohamed, a witness. "There was gunfire too."

Somalia: Al-Shabaab siege ends in Mogadishu; at least 19 dead

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is considering a claim on the two countries' maritime boundaries brought by Somalia in 2014 after negotiations over the 100,000 square km stretch of seafloor broke down.

Kenya said on Saturday it had summoned its ambassador, Lucas Tumbo, and asked his Somalia counterpart Mohammed Muhamud Nur to return to Mogadishu for consultation with his government.

"The summons is a consequence of a most regretful and egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area," the foreign ministry said.

Somalia, which held the auction in London on February 7 according to Kenya, denied the accusation. "There was no auction of oil blocks," the government said in a statement.

Officials in Mogadishu had confidence they could secure the territorial integrity of the country through the legal process in The Hague, they said in the statement, adding they expected the court to rule justly.

Kenya said it had raised concerns with the Somali government a day before the auction after it noticed blocks in what it considers to be its maritime territory were included in the auction.

"This unparalleled affront and illegal grab at the resources of Kenya will not go unanswered and is tantamount to an act of aggression against the people of Kenya and their resources," it said in a statement, adding it was ready to defend its territorial integrity "at any cost".

The two states have been co-operating in the long fight against the al Qaeda-linked, al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Kenya said the row over maritime territory could jeopardise that.

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said.

Kenya has summoned its ambassador to Somalia back home after the Mogadishu government's decision to auction oil and gas exploration blocks at the centre of a maritime territorial dispute in the Indian Ocean, the foreign ministry said. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague is considering a claim on the two countries' maritime boundaries brought by Somalia in 2014 after negotiations over the 100,000 square km stretch of seafloor broke down. Kenya said on Saturday it had summoned its ambassador, Lucas Tumbo, and asked his Somalia counterpart Mohammed Muhamud Nur to return to Mogadishu for consultation with his government. "The summons is a consequence of a most regretful and egregious decision by the government of Somalia to auction off oil and gas blocks in Kenya's maritime territorial area," the foreign ministry said. Somalia, which held the auction in London on February 7 according to Kenya, denied the accusation. "There was no auction of oil blocks," the government said in a statement. Officials in Mogadishu had confidence they could secure the territorial integrity of the country through the legal process in The Hague, they said in the statement, adding they expected the court to rule justly. Kenya said it had raised concerns with the Somali government a day before the auction after it noticed blocks in what it considers to be its maritime territory were included in the auction. "This unparalleled affront and illegal grab at the resources of Kenya will not go unanswered and is tantamount to an act of aggression against the people of Kenya and their resources," it said in a statement, adding it was ready to defend its territorial integrity "at any cost". The two states have been co-operating in the long fight against the al Qaeda-linked, al Shabaab militants in Somalia. Kenya said the row over maritime territory could jeopardise that.

Kenya summons its ambassador to Somalia as territorial row escalates

At least nine people were killed and several wounded when a car loaded with explosives blew up near a mall in a busy market in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/blast-in-somalias-capital-mogadishu-report-195008">Somalia capital</a> on Monday, police said.

"The blast occurred close to Mogadishu mall and it has caused death and destruction. Nine civilians were confirmed dead and several others are wounded," police officer Ahmed Moalin Ali said.

"The terrorists parked a vehicle loaded with explosives in the vicinity of the mall to kill the innocent civilians."

He said some of the victims died in a building that collapsed as a result of the blast in the Hamarweyne market.

"I saw the dead bodies of four people recovered from the debris of a collapsed building and three others were strewn dead outside after the blast had blown them," said shopper Munira Abdukadir.

"I was not far away from the blast location, but I was lucky to have survived, several people were wounded and some were screaming before the ambulances arrived," said another witness, Abdulahi Mohamed.

Mogadishu is regularly targeted by the Al-Qaeda affiliated Islamist group Al-Shabaab.

The group was largely driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities. 
&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and several wounded when a car loaded with explosives blew up near a mall in a busy market in the Somalia capital on Monday, police said.

At least nine people were killed and several wounded when a car loaded with explosives blew up near a mall in a busy market in the Somalia capital on Monday, police said. "The blast occurred close to Mogadishu mall and it has caused death and destruction. Nine civilians were confirmed dead and several others are wounded," police officer Ahmed Moalin Ali said. "The terrorists parked a vehicle loaded with explosives in the vicinity of the mall to kill the innocent civilians." He said some of the victims died in a building that collapsed as a result of the blast in the Hamarweyne market. "I saw the dead bodies of four people recovered from the debris of a collapsed building and three others were strewn dead outside after the blast had blown them," said shopper Munira Abdukadir. "I was not far away from the blast location, but I was lucky to have survived, several people were wounded and some were screaming before the ambulances arrived," said another witness, Abdulahi Mohamed. Mogadishu is regularly targeted by the Al-Qaeda affiliated Islamist group Al-Shabaab. The group was largely driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities.

At least nine killed, several wounded in Somalia market car bombing: Police

A market in Somalia's capital Mogadishu was hit with a powerful bomb blast, police said. &nbsp;

"There was a strong explosion at the Hamarweyne market," said police officer Ibrahim Mohamed. "We have no details for now but the area where the blast happened is a densely populated market."

Although no terror groups has taken responsibility for the blast&nbsp;but Islamist militant group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia against government military and other targets.

Meanwhile, newswire AFP reported that a gunman killed the manager of the port of Bossasso, in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland state, an attack claimed by the Islamist Al-Shabaab group.

"An armed man shot and killed Paul Anthony Formosa who was the construction project manager for DP World, he was killed inside the port and the security forces also shot the killer on the spot", Mohamed Dahir, a local security official, told AFP.

Formosa, a Maltese national, was the&nbsp;manager at Bossasso for P&amp;O Ports, a subsidiary of the Dubai-based DP World.

A market in Somalia's capital Mogadishu was hit with a powerful bomb blast, police said. "There was a strong explosion at the Hamarweyne market," said police officer Ibrahim Mohamed.

A market in Somalia's capital Mogadishu was hit with a powerful bomb blast, police said. "There was a strong explosion at the Hamarweyne market," said police officer Ibrahim Mohamed. "We have no details for now but the area where the blast happened is a densely populated market." Although no terror groups has taken responsibility for the blast but Islamist militant group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia against government military and other targets. Meanwhile, newswire AFP reported that a gunman killed the manager of the port of Bossasso, in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland state, an attack claimed by the Islamist Al-Shabaab group. "An armed man shot and killed Paul Anthony Formosa who was the construction project manager for DP World, he was killed inside the port and the security forces also shot the killer on the spot", Mohamed Dahir, a local security official, told AFP. Formosa, a Maltese national, was the manager at Bossasso for P&O Ports, a subsidiary of the Dubai-based DP World.

Blast in Somalia's capital Mogadishu: Report

Al-Shabaab: How Somalia's Al-Qaeda-linked terror outfit terrorises Africa

The death toll from a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-five-people-killed-in-somali-capital-car-blast-police-185832">double car-bomb attack</a> near the presidential palace in Somalia rose to 20 on Sunday, police said.

Police on Saturday had said seven people were killed following the two blasts in Mogadishu, which were claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group.

"The number of victims who were killed in the blasts increased to 20 and more than 40 others have been wounded," said a Somali police official, Ibrahim Mohamed.

He said the toll had risen after some of those wounded on Saturday died in hospital.

Both civilians and members from the security forces were among the casualties, the official said.

Somalia's London-based Universal TV said on Saturday that three of its staff were among the fatalities, naming one as Somali and British dual national Awil Dahir.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed condemned the "cowardly attacks".

"We will continue defeating terrorists in order to lead the Somali people to stability and prosperity," he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire visited the wounded in hospital.

The first explosion happened at a checkpoint outside the national theatre, some 500 metres (yards) from the palace on Saturday morning.

The second blast, more powerful according to witnesses, came minutes later at a nearby crossroads.

Mohamed Abdullahi, a senior local official who was slightly wounded in the first blast, said members of his security team were among the dead.

"Seven of my security escort and a driver were among those killed in the blast, but such attacks will encourage our efforts to redouble the war against terrorists", he said in a statement.

A Shabaab statement on Saturday said the Islamist group's "martyrdom operation" had targeted "a security checkpoint that used to protect the presidential palace."

The group was largely driven out of the capital in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities.

The group has vowed to topple the internationally-backed government.

The worst carnage to date in Somalia occurred on October 14 last year when 512 people were killed in Hodan, a busy commercial district in the capital.

The death toll from a double car-bomb attack near the presidential palace in Somalia rose to 20 on Sunday, police said. Police on Saturday had said seven people were killed following the two blasts in Mogadishu, which were claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group.

The death toll from a double car-bomb attack near the presidential palace in Somalia rose to 20 on Sunday, police said. Police on Saturday had said seven people were killed following the two blasts in Mogadishu, which were claimed by the jihadist Shabaab group. "The number of victims who were killed in the blasts increased to 20 and more than 40 others have been wounded," said a Somali police official, Ibrahim Mohamed. He said the toll had risen after some of those wounded on Saturday died in hospital. Both civilians and members from the security forces were among the casualties, the official said. Somalia's London-based Universal TV said on Saturday that three of its staff were among the fatalities, naming one as Somali and British dual national Awil Dahir. Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed condemned the "cowardly attacks". "We will continue defeating terrorists in order to lead the Somali people to stability and prosperity," he said in a statement. Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire visited the wounded in hospital. The first explosion happened at a checkpoint outside the national theatre, some 500 metres (yards) from the palace on Saturday morning. The second blast, more powerful according to witnesses, came minutes later at a nearby crossroads. Mohamed Abdullahi, a senior local official who was slightly wounded in the first blast, said members of his security team were among the dead. "Seven of my security escort and a driver were among those killed in the blast, but such attacks will encourage our efforts to redouble the war against terrorists", he said in a statement. A Shabaab statement on Saturday said the Islamist group's "martyrdom operation" had targeted "a security checkpoint that used to protect the presidential palace." The group was largely driven out of the capital in 2011 and has lost many of its strongholds. But it retains control of large rural swathes of the country and continues to wage a guerrilla war against the authorities. The group has vowed to topple the internationally-backed government. The worst carnage to date in Somalia occurred on October 14 last year when 512 people were killed in Hodan, a busy commercial district in the capital.

Death toll rises to 20 in Somalia's car-bomb attack

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-national-hamid-nehal-ansari-set-to-cross-wagah-border-today-184927">Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today</a>

As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wall-street-stocks-crash-dow-sp-fall-over-2-per-cent-184917">Wall Street stocks crash; Dow, S&amp;P fall over 2 per cent</a>

US President Donald Trump lambasted the Federal Reserve again, calling on the central bank not to raise interest rates a day before policymakers are due to meet. Markets widely expect the Fed to ignore the political pressure and announce its fourth rate hike of 2018.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920">8 killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920">fire</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/8-killed-in-fire-at-esic-kamgar-hospital-in-mumbais-andheri-184920"> at ESIC Kamgar hospital in Mumbai's Andheri</a>

The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six.

A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-kill-62-shabaab-terrorists-in-somalia-us-military-184914">Air strikes kill 62 Shabaab terrorists in Somalia: US military</a>

The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia.

Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915">Google to invest over $1 billion on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915">new</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-to-invest-over-1-billion-on-new-campus-in-new-york-184915"> campus in New York</a>

Google is investing more than $1 billion on a new campus in New York, becoming the second major technology company after Amazon to pick America's financial capital to expand and create thousands of jobs.

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents".

Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari set to cross Wagah border today As Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari prepares to walk out of a prison today, the Pakistan foreign office said that he was an "Indian spy" who was involved in "anti-state crimes and forging documents". Wall Street stocks crash; Dow, S&P fall over 2 per cent US President Donald Trump lambasted the Federal Reserve again, calling on the central bank not to raise interest rates a day before policymakers are due to meet. Markets widely expect the Fed to ignore the political pressure and announce its fourth rate hike of 2018. 8 killed in fire at ESIC Kamgar hospital in Mumbai's Andheri The death toll in Mumbai's Andheri hospital fire incident has increased to eight from six. A massive fire broke out at ESIC Kamgar hospital on Monday injuring more than 100 people. Air strikes kill 62 Shabaab terrorists in Somalia: US military The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia. Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement. Google to invest over $1 billion on new campus in New York Google is investing more than $1 billion on a new campus in New York, becoming the second major technology company after Amazon to pick America's financial capital to expand and create thousands of jobs.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-15-dead-10-wounded-after-shabaab-militants-attacked-a-sufi-religious-centre-in-somali-179523">jihadist Shabaab movement</a> in six air strikes in Somalia.

Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement.

The air attacks, in a coastal region south of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, were the deadliest in the country since November last year when the US said it had killed 100 militants.

The strikes were conducted with "our Somali partners to prevent terrorists from using remote areas as safe havens to plot, direct, inspire and recruit for future attacks," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said, noting that no civilians had been killed or injured.&nbsp;

The action brings to 45 the number of strikes the Pentagon has conducted against Shabaab so far in 2018, Manning said.

Last year, the figure was 35. Manning attributed the increase to operations becoming more "efficient."

"We're getting better. And because we're getting better we're able to ... find, fix and eliminate those terrorist organizations," Manning said.

The surge in US operations in Somalia came after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/standoff-over-trump-wall-leaves-us-govt-5-days-away-from-shutdown-184833">President Donald Trump</a> in March 2017 loosened the constraints on the US military to take actions against alleged terrorists when they judge it is needed, without seeking specific White House approval.

American forces are partnering with African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali national security forces in counterterrorism operations, and have conducted frequent raids and drone strikes on Shabaab training camps throughout Somalia.

As of August, the Pentagon assesses there to be between 3,000 and 7,000 Shabaab fighters and 70 to 250 Islamic State Somalia fighters in the Horn of Africa nation.

The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia. Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement.

The US military said Monday it has killed 62 terrorists from the jihadist Shabaab movement in six air strikes in Somalia. Four strikes on Saturday killed 34 terrorists and another two on Sunday killed 28, the US Africa Command said in a statement. The air attacks, in a coastal region south of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, were the deadliest in the country since November last year when the US said it had killed 100 militants. The strikes were conducted with "our Somali partners to prevent terrorists from using remote areas as safe havens to plot, direct, inspire and recruit for future attacks," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said, noting that no civilians had been killed or injured. The action brings to 45 the number of strikes the Pentagon has conducted against Shabaab so far in 2018, Manning said. Last year, the figure was 35. Manning attributed the increase to operations becoming more "efficient." "We're getting better. And because we're getting better we're able to ... find, fix and eliminate those terrorist organizations," Manning said. The surge in US operations in Somalia came after President Donald Trump in March 2017 loosened the constraints on the US military to take actions against alleged terrorists when they judge it is needed, without seeking specific White House approval. American forces are partnering with African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali national security forces in counterterrorism operations, and have conducted frequent raids and drone strikes on Shabaab training camps throughout Somalia. As of August, the Pentagon assesses there to be between 3,000 and 7,000 Shabaab fighters and 70 to 250 Islamic State Somalia fighters in the Horn of Africa nation.

Air strikes kill 62 Shabaab terrorists in Somalia: US military

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At least 16 people were killed in Somalia on Saturday in suicide bombings that targeted a restaurant and coffee shop, police said.

Suicide bombers walked into the two locations in the southwestern city of Baidoa and detonated their vests within minutes of each other, according to witnesses.

The blasts came a day before the first anniversary of a truck bombing that left more than 500 dead in Mogadishu, the worst ever attack in Somalia which was blamed on Islamist group Al-Shabaab.

"The number of the dead we have confirmed from the two blasts is 16 and nearly twenty others were wounded some of them seriously, nine people died in the second blast and seven in the first," said Abudulahi Mohamed, a police official in Baidoa.

"The targeted locations are populated by innocent civilians so that all of the victims were civilians, and the number of the dead can increase anytime because of the wounded," he added.

Mohamed Adam, another police official, &nbsp;gave the same toll.

"I saw fifteen dead bodies at the hospital all of them collected from the scene of the attacks, many worried people poured into the hospital looking for their relatives" Abdi Hassan, a relative of a patient who was wounded in the blast.

Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is fighting to overthrow the internationally backed Somali government in Mogadishu.

The Shabaab were forced out of the capital by African Union troops in 2011 but still control parts of the countryside and carry out attacks against government, military and civilian targets seemingly at will in Mogadishu and regional towns.
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At least 16 people were killed in Somalia on Saturday in suicide bombings that targeted a restaurant and coffee shop, police said. Suicide bombers walked into the two locations in the southwestern city of Baidoa and detonated their vests within minutes of each other, according to witnesses.

At least 16 people were killed in Somalia on Saturday in suicide bombings that targeted a restaurant and coffee shop, police said. Suicide bombers walked into the two locations in the southwestern city of Baidoa and detonated their vests within minutes of each other, according to witnesses. The blasts came a day before the first anniversary of a truck bombing that left more than 500 dead in Mogadishu, the worst ever attack in Somalia which was blamed on Islamist group Al-Shabaab. "The number of the dead we have confirmed from the two blasts is 16 and nearly twenty others were wounded some of them seriously, nine people died in the second blast and seven in the first," said Abudulahi Mohamed, a police official in Baidoa. "The targeted locations are populated by innocent civilians so that all of the victims were civilians, and the number of the dead can increase anytime because of the wounded," he added. Mohamed Adam, another police official, gave the same toll. "I saw fifteen dead bodies at the hospital all of them collected from the scene of the attacks, many worried people poured into the hospital looking for their relatives" Abdi Hassan, a relative of a patient who was wounded in the blast. Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is fighting to overthrow the internationally backed Somali government in Mogadishu. The Shabaab were forced out of the capital by African Union troops in 2011 but still control parts of the countryside and carry out attacks against government, military and civilian targets seemingly at will in Mogadishu and regional towns.

At least 16 dead in Somalia suicide bombings: Police

United States and allied forces came under attack in Somalia, triggering an air strike which killed 18 Al-Shabaab militants, the US military said on Saturday.

The incident occurred on Friday 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Kismayo in the south of the Horn of Africa country where Somali commandos work side-by-side with the American forces that train them.

Air assaults and missile strikes have increased in recent months.

"The US airstrike was conducted against militants after US and partner forces came under attack," US Africa Command said in a statement.

US forces also partner with the United Nations-backed African Union Mission in Somalia, which aims to counter the threat from Al-Shabaab jihadists.

The air strike was conducted "in self-defense," killing 18 militants, Africa Command said.

Two other militants "were killed by Somali forces with small arms fire during the engagement," it added.

In June an American commando was killed during an attack in southern Somalia that also wounded four US military members and a Somali soldier, officials said at the time.

More than 500 American personnel are partnered with African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali national security forces.

Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government in Mogadishu.

United States and allied forces came under attack in Somalia, triggering an air strike which killed 18 Al-Shabaab militants, the US military said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Kismayo in the south of the Horn of Africa country where Somali commandos work side-by-side with the American forces that train them.

United States and allied forces came under attack in Somalia, triggering an air strike which killed 18 Al-Shabaab militants, the US military said on Saturday. The incident occurred on Friday 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Kismayo in the south of the Horn of Africa country where Somali commandos work side-by-side with the American forces that train them. Air assaults and missile strikes have increased in recent months. "The US airstrike was conducted against militants after US and partner forces came under attack," US Africa Command said in a statement. US forces also partner with the United Nations-backed African Union Mission in Somalia, which aims to counter the threat from Al-Shabaab jihadists. The air strike was conducted "in self-defense," killing 18 militants, Africa Command said. Two other militants "were killed by Somali forces with small arms fire during the engagement," it added. In June an American commando was killed during an attack in southern Somalia that also wounded four US military members and a Somali soldier, officials said at the time. More than 500 American personnel are partnered with African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali national security forces. Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed Somali government in Mogadishu.

US, allied forces attacked in Somalia: Pentagon

A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the Rift valley of South-western Kenya.&nbsp;

According to news reports the crack is measured more than 50 feet deep and 65 feet.

Experts say that crack is the evidence that one day Africa could possibly get divided into two continents.

The crack is continuing to grow and has caused the past of Nairo-Narok highway to collapse.

News agency Reuters reported Geologists advising the authorities about the need to do more to take fault lines into account as they plan their new roads, rail lines, and infrastructure projects.

The crack formed by two tectonic plates are moving from each other and is prompted by heavy rains, floods, and seismic activity.

However, the activity of eventual split of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania from rest of the continent could possibly take millions of years.

The crack first appeared in March. Reports say that the time it appeared one house was also got split into two parts during their dinner.

Families living around has fled the area.&nbsp;

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A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the RIft valley of South-western Kenya

A large crack stretched up to several kilometers has appeared in the Rift valley of South-western Kenya. According to news reports the crack is measured more than 50 feet deep and 65 feet. Experts say that crack is the evidence that one day Africa could possibly get divided into two continents. The crack is continuing to grow and has caused the past of Nairo-Narok highway to collapse. News agency Reuters reported Geologists advising the authorities about the need to do more to take fault lines into account as they plan their new roads, rail lines, and infrastructure projects. The crack formed by two tectonic plates are moving from each other and is prompted by heavy rains, floods, and seismic activity. However, the activity of eventual split of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania from rest of the continent could possibly take millions of years. The crack first appeared in March. Reports say that the time it appeared one house was also got split into two parts during their dinner. Families living around has fled the area.

Africa one day could split into two continents!

A suicide car bomb&nbsp;detonated near the parliament of Somalia and the interior ministry in Mogadishu on Sunday.

Reports say three have been killed in the incident and one is injured.

Reuters quoted a police officer of Mogadishu, Nur Mohamed, as saying that &quot;the bomb went off at the heavily guarded Sayidka checkpoint.&quot;

The incident reportedly left scooters overturned and ruined cars.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

However, news reports suspect al-Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militant group.

The Al Shabaab group often targets Mogadishu with such attacks.

On Thursday as well, 14 people were killed and 10 were wounded in car bomb blast outside a Mogadishu hotel.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Reports say three have been killed in the incident and one is injured

A suicide car bomb detonated near the parliament of Somalia and the interior ministry in Mogadishu on Sunday. Reports say three have been killed in the incident and one is injured. Reuters quoted a police officer of Mogadishu, Nur Mohamed, as saying that "the bomb went off at the heavily guarded Sayidka checkpoint." The incident reportedly left scooters overturned and ruined cars. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. However, news reports suspect al-Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militant group. The Al Shabaab group often targets Mogadishu with such attacks. On Thursday as well, 14 people were killed and 10 were wounded in car bomb blast outside a Mogadishu hotel. (With inputs from Reuters)

Suicide car bomb kills three near Somali parliament

The death toll from the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/18-killed-as-2-bomb-blasts-gunfire-rock-somalias-capital-mogadishu-33874"> two suicide car bomb</a> blasts that ripped through the Somali capital on Friday has risen to 45 people, according to a senior government official.

A loud explosion&nbsp;took place on Friday, followed by a second blast and sustained gunfire which broke out near the president&#39;s residence. The second blast took place beside a popular hotel.&nbsp;

The Aamin Ambulance service, which confirmed the death toll, transported victims to the hospital.&nbsp;

Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan of the Aamin Ambulance Service said the bombings targeted the presidential palace and a hotel. He said that most of the victims were civilians.

&quot;The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace,&quot; Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters.

The militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group frequently carries out suicide attacks in Somalia and parts of East Africa.

Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said

The death toll from the two suicide car bomb blasts that ripped through the Somali capital on Friday has risen to 45 people, according to a senior government official. A loud explosion took place on Friday, followed by a second blast and sustained gunfire which broke out near the president's residence. The second blast took place beside a popular hotel. The Aamin Ambulance service, which confirmed the death toll, transported victims to the hospital. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan of the Aamin Ambulance Service said the bombings targeted the presidential palace and a hotel. He said that most of the victims were civilians. "The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace," Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters. The militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The group frequently carries out suicide attacks in Somalia and parts of East Africa.

Somalia twin blast: Death toll rises to 45

Twin car bombs killed 18 people in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu on Friday in an attack by the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, but security forces shot dead five assailants, officials said.

Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said.

&quot;So far we carried 18 dead people and 20 others injured from the blasts tonight,&quot; Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of Amin Ambulances, told Reuters.

Police said the first car bomb went off after militants breached a checkpoint near the president`s residence by shooting at security personnel. The second blast was a car bomb parked in front of a hotel away from the palace.

&quot;The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace,&quot; Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters.

Al Shabaab, who have claimed responsibility for previous bombings and gun attacks in the capital, said they killed 15 soldiers in Friday`s attack, but this could not be confirmed.

&quot;Two operations including two car bomb martyrdoms went on around the presidential palace and a national security forces&rsquo; base called Habar Kadija,&quot; al Shabaab military spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab said.

The group, which is linked to al Qaeda, wants to overthrow the Somali government and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. It has killed hundreds of civilians across East Africa and thousands of Somalis in a decade-long insurgency.

Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow said the security forces had subdued the al Shabaab attackers and killed five of them.

&quot;The security minister confirmed the operation was concluded and that the five militants who launched the attack were shot dead,&quot; the state news aganey quoted him as saying.

Al Shabaab`s Abu Musab said their fighters were yet to be subdued.

The streets around the palace and the hotel were surrounded by security forces, witnesses said.

In October, more than 500 people were killed in twin bomb blasts in Mogadishu. The bomb attacks were the deadliest since al Shabaab began an insurgency in 2007. Al Shabaab did not claim responsibility for that incident.

At least 18 people have been killed and 20 others injured in twin bomb attacks in Somali capital Mogadishu

Twin car bombs killed 18 people in Somalia`s capital Mogadishu on Friday in an attack by the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, but security forces shot dead five assailants, officials said. Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said. "So far we carried 18 dead people and 20 others injured from the blasts tonight," Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of Amin Ambulances, told Reuters. Police said the first car bomb went off after militants breached a checkpoint near the president`s residence by shooting at security personnel. The second blast was a car bomb parked in front of a hotel away from the palace. "The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace," Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters. Al Shabaab, who have claimed responsibility for previous bombings and gun attacks in the capital, said they killed 15 soldiers in Friday`s attack, but this could not be confirmed. "Two operations including two car bomb martyrdoms went on around the presidential palace and a national security forces’ base called Habar Kadija," al Shabaab military spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab said. The group, which is linked to al Qaeda, wants to overthrow the Somali government and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. It has killed hundreds of civilians across East Africa and thousands of Somalis in a decade-long insurgency. Security Minister Mohamed Abukar Islow said the security forces had subdued the al Shabaab attackers and killed five of them. "The security minister confirmed the operation was concluded and that the five militants who launched the attack were shot dead," the state news aganey quoted him as saying. Al Shabaab`s Abu Musab said their fighters were yet to be subdued. The streets around the palace and the hotel were surrounded by security forces, witnesses said. In October, more than 500 people were killed in twin bomb blasts in Mogadishu. The bomb attacks were the deadliest since al Shabaab began an insurgency in 2007. Al Shabaab did not claim responsibility for that incident.

18 killed after two car bombs explode in Somalia's capital Mogadishu

In a move to avoid any further political distress, the Congress has instructed all its spokesperson to steer clear of making any comments on PM Modi or his public addresses.

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Congress instructs all its spokespersons not to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or his public addresses.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939149133788545025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Political leaders took to condemning Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who recently made headlines for calling PM Modi a &#39;neech aadmi&#39;.

The veteran Congressman was asked by Congress supremo Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the PM and later suspended from the party.&nbsp;

Mani Shankar Aiyar later confessed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/neech-row-i-am-ready-to-accept-any-punishment-that-the-congress-wants-to-give-me-says-mani-shankar-aiyar-26240" target="_blank">his willingness to accept any punishment</a> from the Congress if the party faces loss in Gujarat elections owing to the &#39;neech&#39; row.&nbsp;

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alluded to the topic earlier today while addressing a rally in Chotta Udaipur stating that Congress respects the PM and that nobody in the party can use ill language to talk about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-pak-mani-shankar-aiyar-said-remove-modi-from-the-way-says-pm-modi-in-gujarat-rally-26269" target="_blank">Prime Minister</a> of the country.

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Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ManiShankarAiyar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ManiShankarAiyar</a> par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi <a href="https://t.co/pYHMJB0QRs">pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/939043112025964545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne Mani Shankar Aiyar par sakht karyawahi ki,&quot; he noted.&nbsp;

A police official said several people have been injured

In a move to avoid any further political distress, the Congress has instructed all its spokesperson to steer clear of making any comments on PM Modi or his public addresses. Congress instructs all its spokespersons not to comment on Prime Minister Narendra Modi or his public addresses. — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × Political leaders took to condemning Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who recently made headlines for calling PM Modi a 'neech aadmi'. The veteran Congressman was asked by Congress supremo Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the PM and later suspended from the party. Mani Shankar Aiyar later confessed his willingness to accept any punishment from the Congress if the party faces loss in Gujarat elections owing to the 'neech' row. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi alluded to the topic earlier today while addressing a rally in Chotta Udaipur stating that Congress respects the PM and that nobody in the party can use ill language to talk about the Prime Minister of the country. Congress party hindustan ke PM ki kursi ka aadar karti hai. Aur congress party mein galat shabd prayog karke koi bhi PM ke baare mein nahi bol sakta. Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne #ManiShankarAiyar par sakht karyawahi ki: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/pYHMJB0QRs — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2017 × "Modi ji humare baare mein kuch bhi keh sakte hain. Isliye humne Mani Shankar Aiyar par sakht karyawahi ki," he noted.

18 dead in suicide attack on Somalia's police academy, Al Shabaab claims responsibility

The US&nbsp;military said it killed more than&nbsp;100&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in Somalia&nbsp;on Tuesday when it launched an&nbsp;air&nbsp;strike&nbsp;against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group that wants to topple the UN-backed government.

The military&#39;s Africa Command said the&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target&nbsp;militants.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was done in coordination with&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s federal government, the Pentagon said.

US&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes killing such a large number of&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;are rare, but not unprecedented. In March 2016, a US&nbsp;air strike&nbsp;killed more than 150 al Shabaab fighters in&nbsp;Somalia.

Somalia&#39;s state news agency SONNA reported late on Tuesday that &quot;about&nbsp;100&nbsp;militants&quot; were killed when US&nbsp;planes and Somali commandos attacked al Shabaab bases in the Bur Elay area of Bay region.

Al Shabaab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab denied the attack. &quot;It is just... propaganda,&quot; he told Reuters in&nbsp;Somalia.

Al Shabaab is fighting to topple&nbsp;Somalia&rsquo;s Western-backed transitional federal government and impose its own rule on the Horn of Africa country.

Earlier this month, the US&nbsp;warned of a threat to its diplomatic staff in Mogadishu and directed all non-essential staff to leave the capital.

Al Shabaab has lost control of most of&nbsp;Somalia&rsquo;s cities and towns since it was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011. But it retains a strong presence in parts of the south and center and carries out gun and bomb attacks.

&quot;Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US&nbsp;and our partners in the region,&quot; the US&nbsp;military statement said.

Al Shabaab aims to topple&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s government, drive out African Union peacekeeping troops and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law.

Earlier this month, the US&nbsp;military also carried out its first&nbsp;strikes against Islamic State&nbsp;militants in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and said it killed &quot;several terrorists.&quot;

The military's Africa Command said the?strike?was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target?militants

The US military said it killed more than 100 Islamist militants in Somalia on Tuesday when it launched an air strike against al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked insurgent group that wants to topple the UN-backed government. The military's Africa Command said the strike was carried out on a camp 125 miles (201 km) northwest of the capital, Mogadishu and that the United States would continue to target militants. The strike was done in coordination with Somalia's federal government, the Pentagon said. US air strikes killing such a large number of militants in Somalia are rare, but not unprecedented. In March 2016, a US air strike killed more than 150 al Shabaab fighters in Somalia. Somalia's state news agency SONNA reported late on Tuesday that "about 100 militants" were killed when US planes and Somali commandos attacked al Shabaab bases in the Bur Elay area of Bay region. Al Shabaab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab denied the attack. "It is just... propaganda," he told Reuters in Somalia. Al Shabaab is fighting to topple Somalia’s Western-backed transitional federal government and impose its own rule on the Horn of Africa country. Earlier this month, the US warned of a threat to its diplomatic staff in Mogadishu and directed all non-essential staff to leave the capital. Al Shabaab has lost control of most of Somalia’s cities and towns since it was pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011. But it retains a strong presence in parts of the south and center and carries out gun and bomb attacks. "Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US and our partners in the region," the US military statement said. Al Shabaab aims to topple Somalia's government, drive out African Union peacekeeping troops and impose its own harsh interpretation of Islamic law. Earlier this month, the US military also carried out its first strikes against Islamic State militants in Somalia and said it killed "several terrorists."

US says air strike kills over 100 militants in Somalia

The death toll in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/twin-bomb-blasts-in-somalia-capital-kill-over-200-22466">twin bomb attack in Somalia&#39;s capital Mogadishu</a> has risen to more than 300, an official told Reuters on Monday.

No organization<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-kill-us-navy-seal-in-somalia-two-troops-injured-15269"> has claimed responsibility for the blasts</a> which occurred on Saturday.

&quot;We have confirmed 300 people died in the blast. The death toll will still be higher because some people are still missing,&quot; Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of the city&#39;s ambulance service, told Reuters.

Aden Nur, a doctor at the city&#39;s Madina hospital told Reuters that they had recorded 258 deaths while Ahmed Ali, a nurse at the nearby Osman Fiqi hospital, told Reuters five bodies had been sent there.

Nur said 160&nbsp;bodies could not be recognized.&nbsp;

&quot;There is still a national rescue operation underway,&quot;&nbsp;Somalia&#39;s information ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be &quot;national mourning and prayers for the victims&quot; in the coming days.

Saturday&#39;s blast is the worst in Somalia&#39;s history, came six years after Shabaab militants were pushed out of Mogadishu by African Union and Somali troops.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the blasts which occurred on Saturday.

The death toll in the twin bomb attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu has risen to more than 300, an official told Reuters on Monday. No organization has claimed responsibility for the blasts which occurred on Saturday. "We have confirmed 300 people died in the blast. The death toll will still be higher because some people are still missing," Abdikadir Abdirahman, the director of the city's ambulance service, told Reuters. Aden Nur, a doctor at the city's Madina hospital told Reuters that they had recorded 258 deaths while Ahmed Ali, a nurse at the nearby Osman Fiqi hospital, told Reuters five bodies had been sent there. Nur said 160 bodies could not be recognized. "There is still a national rescue operation underway," Somalia's information ministry said in a statement, adding that there would be "national mourning and prayers for the victims" in the coming days. Saturday's blast is the worst in Somalia's history, came six years after Shabaab militants were pushed out of Mogadishu by African Union and Somali troops.

Watch Somalia bomb attack: Death toll rises to over 300

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