Thursday 24, April -2025 {HMC} Turkey is set to launch a series of new oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan, as part of a broader initiative to reduce its dependence on imported energy, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at an event in Istanbul, Bayraktar highlighted Turkish Petroleum Corporation’s expanding international ventures, emphasizing their role in strengthening Turkey’s energy independence. “These efforts are a key component of our long-term strategy to diversify energy sources and boost domestic production,” he stated.

In addition to these exploration initiatives, Bayraktar noted that Turkey is also exploring opportunities to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade network, aiming to secure more affordable and reliable energy supplies through partnerships with new international suppliers.

The announcement coincided with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) promoting investment opportunities in the country’s energy sector during the Istanbul event. As part of its own development strategy, the NOC plans to offer 22 onshore and offshore blocks in an upcoming international licensing round.

Libya is targeting an increase in crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day by 2027 and is encouraging foreign companies to re-enter the market and invest in the country’s largely untapped oil fields and energy infrastructure.

SOURCE Heritage Times
By Emmanuel Nduka

Thursday 24, April -2025 {HMC} One hundred (100) Federal Darwish trainees graduated from the first pre-deployment training conducted in Somalia. The three-month programme, held at International Compound in Mogadishu, was implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Security, the Somali Police Force and Federal Darwish Headquarters, with EUCAP Somalia providing technical and operational support.

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, the European Union, through EUCAP Somalia, developed and delivered this specialised training programme to prepare the first cohort of Federal Darwish officers for deployment. These officers will be deployed to newly liberated areas, where they will act primarily as a stabilization force and carry out civil police tasks, including community-oriented policing, while upholding human rights standards and respect for gender related issues.

“Today, you are the ones being trained; tomorrow, you may be the ones training others on how to recover, thrive, and sustain nationhood.’’ – H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama

To support the new Federal Darwish company’s rapid deployment and operational readiness, EUCAP Somalia is providing equipment such as vehicles and uniforms.

The event brought together representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia, led by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama with the presence of the State Minister of Internal Security; the Deputy Police Commissioner; the Federal Darwish Commander, the European Union’s Deputy Civilian Operations Commander; the European Union Ambassador to Somalia and other members of the international community, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Somalia’s wider security and governance priorities.

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EUCAP Somalia is a civilian crisis management mission that has been in operation since 2016. The Mission supports the development of the Somali maritime security sector, rule of law and wider police capacity.

Thursday 24, April -2025 {HMC} The Council of Ministers of the Federal Republic of Somalia has commended the country’s armed forces and local militias for their recent successes in the ongoing military campaign against Khawarij extremist groups.

During its weekly meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, the Council reviewed security reports highlighting the armed forces’ “historic victories” in the initial phases of the offensive aimed at dismantling militant strongholds.

“The government acknowledges the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers and local forces in securing these critical gains,” said a statement issued after the session. The Council also discussed the work of a special committee tasked with supporting counterterrorism operations.

In addition to security updates, the Council approved a bill amending the Civil Servants Law, a key step in overhauling Somalia’s public sector. The revised legislation aligns with the government’s National Transformation Plan (NTP 2025-2029), which seeks to improve governance, streamline bureaucracy, and safeguard the rights of civil servants.

“The reforms will ensure a more efficient and fair system for government employees while advancing our national development goals,” the statement added.

Thursday 24, April -2025 {HMC} The Somali National Army (SNA) killed more than 20 Khawarij militants, including senior leaders, during a targeted operation in Labi-Gooleey, located 13 kilometers northwest of Wargaadhi in the Middle Shabelle region.

The operation disrupted an attempted regrouping by the militants, dealing a significant setback to their operations in the area. Meanwhile, security forces successfully stabilized Wargaadhi after repelling a Khawarij attack earlier in the day.

Combined with earlier clashes in Wargaadhi, the SNA and allied local forces have eliminated over 40 Khawarij fighters in a series of coordinated offensives. Military officials are still assessing the full extent of enemy casualties. The Somali government has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling militant networks, with the latest operations marking another step in the broader campaign to secure the country.