Somalia

Terrorism & Security
Somali pirates hijack eight ships in three days

Somali pirates hijacked a cargo ship with 24 crew Monday, on the heels of capturing another seven vessels in the Indian Ocean over the weekend.
Commercial ship strikes back in deadly shootout with Somali pirates

The attack by Somali pirates on the MV Almezaan Tuesday, in which one pirate was killed, highlights how more commercial ships are hiring private armed security groups for protection.
Global News Blog
Somali pirates mistakenly attack Dutch warship. Oops.

As the high season of piracy begins, Somali pirates started to attack the HNLMS Tromp, a Dutch warship. European Naval forces are having good success with a more aggressive anti-piracy strategy.
Inside Al Shabab: How the Somalia militant group rules through fear

As the Somalia government fends off militant group Al Shabab, the Al Qaeda-linked insurgency shows its power through intimidation of a whistle-blower.
Global News Blog
Somalia terror suspect Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed to be tried in New York

Somalia terror suspect Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed learned how to make bombs in Somalia from the Islamist militant group Al Shabab, say US prosecutors. He has been brought to New York to face charges.
Global News Blog
Somali pirates: Does France have the most effective navy against the buccaneers?

When it comes to taking on Somali pirates, France is emerging as the most effective naval force. French officials announced Sunday that the French frigate Nivose had captured 35 suspected Somali pirates and four mother ships since Friday.
Official says top Al Qaeda leader in Somalia killed

The weak transitional government of Somalia claimed Tuesday that its forces killed Amar Ibrahim, a leader of Al Qaeda in Somalia and the Islamist group Al Shabab.
New Somalia government offensive against Al Shabab

The weak, transitional Somalia government may finally bring President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed some badly needed legitimacy if newly trained forces can push back the militant Islamist group, Al Shabab.
Terrorism & Security
Will Yemen rebels accept a fresh cease-fire plan?

Yemen's government – under pressure from the US to focus on Al Qaeda-linked groups operating within its borders – is stepping up efforts to solve a separate pressing issue: five years' worth of fighting with Shiite rebels.
Pakistanis protest US conviction of 'Lady Al Qaeda'

Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui was convicted in Manhattan for the attempted murder of US soldiers in Afghanistan. Many Pakistanis aren't happy.
It wasn't us: Somali militants disavow Kenya threat

Al Shabab, the Somali militant group with ideological links to Al Qaeda, says the threat to attack Kenya – posted on its website this week – is fake.
Somali pirates fight over record ransom

Owners of a Greek-flagged oil tanker dropped a record ransom payment of $5.5 million to $7 million on the deck of the ship today, prompting Somali pirates to release the Maran Centaurus.
Is Al Qaeda in Yemen connected to Al Qaeda in Somalia?

In the wake of the Christmas Day Northwest airlines bombing attempt, some are wondering if the Al Qaeda branches in Yemen and Somalia are linked. Most experts don't see evidence of coordination – not yet.
UN suspends food aid to southern Somalia

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) pulled out of southern Somalia on Tuesday, citing repeated threats and raids by commanders of Al Shabab, the Al Qadea-linked Islamist militant group.
A US pipeline for jihad in Somalia?

Somali-American men are returning to their homeland to fight alongside Al Shabab, an insurgent group with ties to Al Qaeda. Some experts think an organized recruiting effort is responsible for luring them back to Somalia.
Global News Blog
Somali pirates nab two more ships, one in protected Gulf of Aden

Pirates are now holding more than 10 ships and 200 crew members of different nationalities, according to maritime officials.
Somali pirates seize oil tanker. Where are the anti-piracy forces?

The Greek-owned Maran Centaurus was seized Sunday more than 800 miles east of Mogadishu fully loaded with an estimated 2 million barrels of oil heading for New Orleans from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Maersk Alabama: Should ships use armed guards to stop Somali pirates?

Lethal or nonlethal weapons? The attack on the US-flagged Maersk Alabama reignites the debate over how to stop Somali pirates.
Somalia's Islamist militants spill into neighboring countries

Somalia's Islamist militant group Al Shabab now controls much of the country, and it has made viable threats against neighbors Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Terrorism & Security
Somalia to get EU training force to counter Islamist insurgents

Somalia is set to get 100 EU forces to help train the fledgling UN-backed government counter insurgents. On Tuesday, Islamist militants stoned a woman to death for adultery.
Global News Blog
Maersk Alabama repels Somali pirates in second attack

The Maersk Alabama, the same US ship attacked by Somali pirates last April, was hit again today. But hired guards repelled the attack.
Terrorism & Security
Somali pirates attack two ships, hold North Korea crew hostage

Somali pirates attacked a Ukraine ship and Singapore-operated vessel with a North Korea crew. With the end of the monsoon, piracy is on the upswing.
Global News Blog
Why Somali pirates are hijacking yachts in Seychelles

Missing British couple's yacht was found adrift near the Seychelles. Somali pirates are going further afield to dodge US, European naval patrols.
Terrorism & Security
Somali pirates say they have British couple hostage

Somali pirates say they will soon issue a ransom to Rachel and Paul Chandler's family. Pirates have upped their attacks significantly this year, but the international response is also becoming increasingly robust.
China vows to save crew held by Somali pirates. But how?

Chinese officials hint that violent action may be taken to rescue the 25 Chinese crew members aboard a cargo ship seized by Somali pirates on Monday.