
Egypt condemns deadly terrorist attack at Somalia's Damanyo base
Somali people walk down the street in Mogadishu's Hamar Weyne market – FILE/AMISOM
CAIRO – 18 May 2025: Egypt strongly condemned a terrorist bombing that took place in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Sunday, killing and injuring dozens of people at the Somali army's Damanyo base.
In a foreign ministry statement, Egypt reaffirmed its continued support for Somali national institutions and their security and military capabilities.
Egypt stressed the necessity of empowering Somali state institutions to combat all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, and to establish control over the entire Somali territory.
Egypt expressed its full solidarity with Somalia during this painful ordeal and extended its condolences to the Somali government and people, including the families of the victims, wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
A suicide bomber ran into a queue of young recruits lining up at the military base, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, witnesses told Reuters.
The attack comes a day after the assassination of battalion commander Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale in Somalia's Hiran region on Saturday.
The government forces have been fighting Islamist militants of Al-Shabaab over the past two decades with the group conducting many attacks that especially targeted government officials and military personnel.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud narrowly survived an assassination attempt by Al-Shabaab in March.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily News Egypt
2 hours ago
- Daily News Egypt
US strikes Iranian nuclear sites as Tehran responds with missile barrage on Israel
The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran reached a dangerous new phase after US President Donald Trump announced a 'highly successful' strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities—an action that analysts warn could plunge the region into a full-scale war. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the operation targeted the nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, declaring that the Fordow facility was 'finished' after a full payload of precision-guided bombs was deployed. 'Now is the time for peace,' he said, following the announcement. According to a source quoted by Reuters, Iran had preemptively moved most of its highly enriched uranium from Fordow and had reduced staff presence at the site ahead of the strike. In swift retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel early Sunday, in what officials are calling the most direct and dangerous confrontation yet between the two states. Israeli authorities reported at least 27 injuries, with rockets striking Tel Aviv and Haifa and causing significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Trump's actions, calling them a 'historic decision' and emphasizing that the targeted strikes were meant to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 'This is a pivotal moment for regional security,' he said. In Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the strikes had 'erased Iran's nuclear ambitions,' stressing that the operation was carefully designed to avoid civilian casualties. 'Any retaliation from Iran will trigger a significantly stronger response,' he warned. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed that the Fordow facility had sustained extensive damage, calling the mission 'a major military success.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that 'the world is safer and more stable today,' and reiterated that the United States remains open to renewed dialogue with Iran, despite the operation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sharply condemned the strikes, calling them an 'unforgivable international crime.' He ruled out any talks with Washington 'as long as acts of aggression continue.' Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that the Iranian parliament approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval from the country's Supreme National Security Council—a move that could disrupt global oil flows. Although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that no radiation had been released from the targeted nuclear sites, concerns remain over potential environmental fallout should the attacks continue. In response to Iran's missile barrage, the Israeli military launched additional airstrikes on Sunday targeting drone and missile bases in Isfahan, Bushehr, Ahvaz, and, for the first time, Yazd. According to Israeli military sources, 30 fighter jets were deployed in the operation. The financial cost of the ongoing conflict is mounting. Israeli media reported that over 32,000 damage compensation claims have been filed, with the total cost of the week-long conflict estimated at 12bn shekels—including 5bn shekels allocated to missile defense systems. Calls for de-escalation continue to intensify. Egypt's Foreign Ministry urged all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire and pursue a political resolution to the crisis. Cairo also held urgent consultations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, emphasizing the need to uphold national sovereignty and prevent a broader descent into regional chaos. France, Germany, and the European Union joined the chorus of international concern. The EU's foreign policy chief labeled the situation 'extremely dangerous' and reiterated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a global security imperative, adding that diplomacy is the only path forward. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that Iran's nuclear program poses a 'serious threat' to international security and called on Tehran to re-engage in negotiations immediately. Regional powers, including Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict and warned of catastrophic consequences for regional stability if hostilities are not curtailed. While Israeli officials publicly denied plans for further escalation, the Financial Times reported that some senior figures within the government favor halting additional operations following the US strike—though they noted that Iran's next move would likely determine the trajectory of the conflict. On the ground, Iran's judiciary announced the arrest of seven individuals on charges of espionage and terrorism amid fears of further unrest. A senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard vowed continued attacks on Israel, declaring that 'the Zionist entity will not enjoy peace.' In a rare statement, Yemen's Houthi movement voiced solidarity with Iran, condemning the US and Israeli strikes as 'Zionist-American aggression' and violations of international law.


Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
BREAKING: Suicide bomber hits Damascus church, casualties reported - Region
A suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a church in Damascus on Sunday, killing and wounding several people, witnesses and local media said. A blast struck the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of the Syrian capital during what appeared to be a service, with a witness telling Reuters the attacker blew himself up inside the building. The Syrian news outlet Levant 24, citing local sources, reported that the attacker opened fire on worshippers before detonating explosives. Some reports suggested at least 15 people were killed. Syria's state news agency, SANA, said ambulances were evacuating casualties and Internal Security Forces had cordoned off the area. #Syria BREAKING: a suicide attack just took place at the St. Elias church in Dwel'a, on the eastern outskirts of #Damascus. This is the first suspected Islamic State terror attack in Syria since the fall of #Assad. — Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) June 22, 2025 There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
6 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Kuwait Activates Emergency Shelters for Government Staff
Israa Farhan Kuwait's Ministry of Finance has activated its national emergency plan following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, opening fully equipped shelters for government employees as a precautionary measure. According to Kuwaiti daily Al-Jarida, the ministry has implemented a series of comprehensive protective measures to ensure the continuity of financial and public services in the event of regional escalation. Among the key actions taken is the readiness of civil defense shelters within the Government Complex building, with the capacity to accommodate up to 900 personnel. The shelters are rated C4 and are reportedly in excellent operational condition. In addition, contingency storage areas have been designated for emergency use, and financial systems have been migrated to backup platforms to ensure uninterrupted operations. The ministry has also enabled secure remote working capabilities through specialized cybersecurity programs to safeguard digital infrastructure. The emergency preparations were triggered in the wake of US President Donald Trump's announcement on Sunday that American forces had conducted airstrikes that destroyed three nuclear facilities in Iran. The president warned that further military action could follow unless Tehran seeks a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand