Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 {HMC Taliban and Pakistani forces have exchanged fire across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, prompting calls for restraint from Iran, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as tensions escalate following an air strike on the Afghan capital, Kabul, earlier this week.

Enayatullah Khwarizmi, the spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, said late on Saturday that Taliban forces had carried out “successful retaliatory” attacks against Pakistani soldiers in response to the neighbouring country’s “repeated violations” of, and air strikes on, Afghan territory.

Pakistani Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi called the Afghan attacks “unprovoked” and said that Pakistani forces were responding “with a stone for every brick”.

“Firing by Afghan forces on civilian population is a blatant violation of international laws. Pakistan’s brave forces have given a prompt and effective response that no provocation will be tolerated,” he said in a post on X.

Radio Pakistan, citing security sources, said the Afghan attacks took place at some six locations along the border.

It said the attacks prompted a “strong, intense response” from the Pakistan Army, and shared video footage of gun and artillery fire that lit up the night sky.

It did not say whether the clashes had ended.

The fighting comes days after explosions rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, in an air strike that the Taliban blamed on Pakistan.

Islamabad did not claim responsibility for Thursday’s attacks.

However, it accused the Afghan Taliban administration of harbouring fighters of the Pakistani Taliban who attack Pakistan, with the support of its adversary, India.

New Delhi denies the charge, while the Taliban says it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.

The escalating tensions have prompted regional concern.

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi called on his country’s two neighbours “to exercise restraint”.

“Our position is that both sides must exercise restraint,” Araghchi said during a live interview with state television, according to the AFP news agency, adding that “stability” between the countries “contributes to regional stability”.

Qatar expressed “deep concern” over the tensions and the “potential tensions these may have on the security and stability of the region”.

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged “both sides to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint, and work to contain the disputes in a way that helps reduce tension, avoids escalation, and contributes to regional peace and stability”.

Saudi Arabia, too, expressed concern.

“The kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom to contribute to reducing tensions and maintaining security and stability in the region,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said.

“The kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its continued commitment to ensuring security, which will achieve stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples,” it added.

Source Hiiraan Online

Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 {HMC  Somali Minister of Defense Ahmed Macalin Fiqi has announced a nationwide ban on the use of unmarked army vehicles and unidentified soldiers, citing security concerns following last week’s al-Shabaab attack on Mogadishu’s heavily guarded Godka Jilacow prison.

Minister Fiqi said the decision aims to enhance security and prevent al-Shabaab from exploiting loopholes to carry out attacks, after the group used a vehicle marked with the insignia of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) during the assault.

“The government will issue a law prohibiting unmarked vehicles or soldiers from operating within Mogadishu or anywhere in the country,” Minister Fiqi said.

He noted that al-Shabaab has increasingly sought to imitate government vehicles and operations to bypass security checks.

“When the attackers could not gain access through public transport, they used a vehicle disguised as a government car. It was a rare incident that will never be allowed to happen again,” the Defense Minister added.

His remarks come a week after al-Shabaab militants attacked the Godka Jilacow prison — one of the most secure facilities in the capital — using a vehicle painted with NISA symbols. The attack sparked widespread concern over the group’s ability to infiltrate security perimeters through deception tactics.

Source Hiiraan Online

Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 {HMC  The Somali National Army has confiscated a military vehicle driven by Col. Ali Xuubey, a former officer no longer serving in the armed forces, amid an ongoing crackdown on unauthorized possession of government military assets.

According to military officials on Saturday, the vehicle which bore Somali army insignia was seized near Mogadishu’s Liido Beach. Photos of the vehicle circulated on social media following the incident.

Col. Ali Xuubey, who previously held various positions in the Somali military, particularly in Hirshabelle State, confirmed the incident in a post on his Facebook page. He expressed regret over how the matter unfolded but hinted that “the issue will not end there,” without providing further details.

The seizure comes as the Somali Ministry of Defense intensifies efforts to reform the armed forces and account for all government-owned weapons and military equipment.

A day earlier, the Somali military had issued a stern warning to commanders and individuals illegally operating military vehicles, emphasizing that such actions undermine national security and discipline within the armed forces.

Defense Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi recently announced a nationwide ban on the use of unmarked military vehicles and unidentified soldiers. The move follows last week’s al-Shabaab attack on the heavily guarded Godka Jilacow prison in Mogadishu, where the militants used a vehicle painted with National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) symbols to carry out the assault.

Source Hiiraan Online

Sunday, Oct 12, 2025 {HMC   Somalia is set to join the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for the first time, marking a significant step toward the country’s full integration into the East African Community (EAC).

The Speakers of both Houses of the Federal Parliament have appointed a joint committee to oversee the selection and election of Somalia’s representatives to the regional parliament.

The committee is chaired by MP Mohamed Abdullahi Hassan (Nuux), with Senator Zamzam Ibrahim Ali serving as deputy chair. Other members include MP Abdi Ibrahim Warsame (Qowdhan), Senator Iftiin Hassan Iimaan (Baasto), and MP Guuleed Bihi Abdi.

According to parliamentary officials, the committee has been tasked with identifying and vetting candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and submitting a final list of nominees to the Federal Parliament for approval.

The Speakers of both Houses have directed the committee to begin its work immediately, while the government has pledged to provide full support to ensure the process runs smoothly.

The development marks an important milestone in strengthening Somalia’s political and institutional representation within the East African region. It also reflects the federal government’s ongoing commitment to regional integration, economic cooperation, and shared governance under the EAC framework.

Somalia formally became the eighth member of the East African Community in 2023, joining Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source Hiiraan Online