Wed 28 Jun 2026 {HMC}  A high-ranking operative of the Al-Shabaab terror group, identified as Abdirahman Talxo Shuuke, surrendered to the Galmudug State Darwish forces on Wednesday. The significant defection took place during ongoing security operations conducted by the “Galayr” unit, a specialized division of the Galmudug Presidential Guard, in the areas surrounding Labadulle and Ceelahelay.

Security officials have confirmed that Shuuke held a critical leadership role within the insurgent network, serving as the commander of the Khawaarij Al-Shabaab cell in the Galgaduud region. The defector arrived from the direction of the Ceelgaras district, formally handing over his AK-47 assault rifle and combat ammunition vest to the security commanders upon his arrival.

During his initial debriefing with military officers, Abdirahman Talxo Shuuke provided an assessment of the current situation within the terror group. He revealed that the Khawaarij militias are currently facing severe internal fragmentation and are in a state of chaotic retreat. Shuuke attributed this collapse to the relentless and coordinated offensives launched by the Somali National Army. He specifically noted that the combination of intense ground assaults and precision aerial strikes has effectively dismantled their defensive capabilities, forcing many fighters to flee.

The surrender of such a high-profile regional commander is viewed by security analysts as a clear indicator of the deteriorating morale within the Khawaarij ranks. It highlights the success of the sustained military pressure applied by the Galmudug Darwish forces and the National Army in central Somalia, which continues to isolate and degrade the terror network’s leadership structure.

Source SONNA

Wed 28 Jun 2026 {HMC}  Somalia on Monday presided over the United Nations Security Council for the first time since 1972, chairing a high-level signature event focused on the promotion of the rule of law.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had been expected to chair the meeting. However, his planned trip to New York was cancelled due to severe weather conditions in the United States. As a result, Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman Baale, chaired the Council session.

The meeting was held under the agenda item “The promotion and strengthening of the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security.”
In a statement, the Permanent Mission of Somalia to the United Nations said the session marked a historic moment for the country.

“Somalia presided over the Council for the first time since 1972 in its high-level signature event on the rule of law. For the betterment of all peoples and future generations, we must breathe new life into the UN Charter matching words with deeds and recommitting to the rule of law among nations,” the statement said.

The meeting was briefed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Abdulqawi Yusuf, a former judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Participants discussed the role of the Security Council and other UN organs in promoting and upholding the international rule of law. Several speakers urged the Council to fully implement its mandate under the UN Charter and take concrete action to promote compliance with international law. Calls were also made for reform of the Security Council and for strengthening other UN institutions working on rule-of-law issues.

According to a concept note prepared by Somalia, the objective of the meeting was to reaffirm the importance of the international rule of law in maintaining international peace and security, and to identify practical ways to strengthen it.

Somalia holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, marking its first time leading the Council since its 1971–1972 term. Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman is presiding over Council activities during the month, with a focus on reinforcing multilateralism and respect for international law.

Source Hiiraan online