SR Originals
128Original Journalism produced by Somali Report, featuring investigations, exclusive interviews, in-depth analysis, special reports, long-form features, and fact-based storytelling that goes beyond the headlines.

WSJ: Secret Houthi-Al-Shabaab Partnership Expands Across Gulf of Aden
The Wall Street Journal reports that Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s Al-Shabaab have deepened secret military cooperation involving weapons, training and operations.

Somalia Sets Conditions for AU Forces Pullout as Security Handover Looms
Somalia says African Union forces will not leave abruptly, with their eventual withdrawal dependent on the readiness of Somali security forces to take full control.

US Forces Conduct Major Military Readiness Exercise in Southern Somalia
US forces have conducted a major military readiness exercise in Kismayo, testing base defence, rapid troop deployments and emergency response capabilities.

Somalia's Galmudug parliament speaker says lawmakers blocked from chamber amid election dispute
Galmudug Parliament has been shut down by security forces amid a growing dispute over the regional election, with Speaker Mohamed Nur Gacal accusing President Qoor Qoor of ordering the closure.

Somalia Deepens Defence Ties with Qatar, Rejects Palestinian Relocation Plan
Somalia is deepening its defence partnership with Qatar while rejecting any plan to relocate Palestinians to the country, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said.

Somali Army Probes Alleged Abuse of Al-Shabaab Prisoner in Viral Video
Somalia’s military has launched a preliminary investigation after a video appeared to show soldiers abusing an Al-Shabaab prisoner, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Somalia's Puntland State, US Expand Security Ties as Washington Plans Military Facility in Bosaso
Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has held talks with senior US military officials in Bosaso on counterterrorism, maritime security and plans to accelerate the development of a US military facility in the port city.

Turkey’s Offshore Oil Drilling in Somalia Could Finish Ahead of Schedule, Says Petroleum Authority
Turkey’s Curad-1 offshore drilling operation in Somalia has reached 3,000 metres and could be completed by the end of September, a month earlier than planned.

Southwest State Designates Former President Laftagareen and His Forces as ‘Terrorists’
South West State has formally designated former President Abdiaziz Laftagareen and forces loyal to him as “terrorists,” deepening tensions in Baidoa and escalating the political standoff with his administration.

Somali Government Appeals to Arab Countries to Stop Somaliland Recognition Campaign
Somalia is urging Arab countries to use their diplomatic influence to prevent Israel’s recognition of Somaliland from triggering wider international recognition of the breakaway region.

Al-Shabaab’s Longtime Intelligence Chief Killed in Somalia Operation
Somalia’s intelligence agency says a joint operation with international partners killed Al-Shabaab’s longtime intelligence chief, Abdullahi Hashi Labajir, known as Ikhlaas, in Jilib on August 23.

Somaliland President Hosts Defecting Northeastern State Lawmakers for Peace Talks
The members declared their full readiness to participate in peace-building efforts, drive infrastructure and economic projects in their native regions, and help consolidate national unity.

AU Gives AUSSOM Green Light to Back Somali Forces in South West Amid Political Crisis
The African Union has authorised AUSSOM to support Somali government forces against Al-Shabaab in South West State while ordering the mission to remain politically neutral.

Puntland Says MV Lutuf Was Freed After Ransom Payment, Rejects Somalia-Turkey Rescue Claim
Puntland has rejected Somalia’s claim that Turkish and federal forces rescued the hijacked MV Lutuf, saying the vessel and crew may have been freed after a ransom was paid.

Somali, Turkish Forces Free Hijacked MV Lutuf, 14 Pirates Killed in 10-Day Operation
Somali and Turkish forces have regained control of the hijacked MV Lutuf after a 10-day operation off Puntland, with Somalia’s Defence Ministry saying four pirate boats were destroyed and 14 suspected pirates killed.
Al-Shabaab Abducts Civilians in Central Somalia After Deadly Military Strike
Al-Shabaab militants have abducted at least three civilians, including a mother and her daughter, in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region after accusing them of spying for government forces, local sources said.

Laftagareen Urges AUSSOM to Remain Neutral, Avoid Military Role in Somalia’s growing political crisis
Former South West President Abdiaziz Laftagareen has urged AUSSOM and the African Union to remain neutral amid political tensions with Somalia’s federal government.

Uganda Sets 2027 Deadline to Withdraw All Troops from Somalia
Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba says the country will withdraw all its troops from Somalia by August 1, 2027, raising fresh questions over the future of AUSSOM.

Landlocked Ethiopia Joins Somalia, Neighbors at Red Sea Summit as Maritime Threats Rise
Landlocked Ethiopia joined Somalia, Djibouti and Yemen at a Nairobi Red Sea security summit to strengthen regional cooperation against rising piracy, trafficking and other maritime threats.

Puntland Accuses Turkey of Deadly Airstrikes That Killed Somali Fishermen
Puntland has accused Turkey of carrying out recent airstrikes along Somalia’s coast, saying the attacks killed fishermen and suspected Somali pirates holding the M/V LUTUF.
