Latest news with #SomaliYouth
Al Bawaba
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Somali forces kill 19 al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Juba
ALBAWABA- The Somali Ministry of Defense has announced the killing of 19 al-Shabaab militants during a joint counterterrorism operation in the Baqooqaha area, approximately 13 kilometers west of Buulo Xaaji in the Lower Juba region. According to a statement published on the ministry's official X (formerly Twitter) account, the operation was conducted by the Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with Jubaland's Darawish forces and international security partners. The ministry described the operation as a targeted strike against al-Shabaab fighters entrenched in one of their known strongholds. The offensive is part of a wider effort by Somali federal and regional forces to dismantle the group's presence across the country's southern regions. The operation also comes against the backdrop of rising tensions tied to the Somali Youth separatist movement, whose demands for greater autonomy in the southern territories, including parts of Jubaland, are complicating the federal government's campaign against militant groups. While distinct from al-Shabaab, the growing activity of separatist-leaning armed factions threatens to further destabilize already volatile areas and could undermine long-term efforts to secure national cohesion.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- CBS News
Somali community members gather around Twin Cities to find ways to save youth from violence
In the span of two weeks, the Twin Cities saw gunfire at two high school graduation ceremonies and a north metro mall. Police say a common thread ties all three cases together: young people in the Somali community. Community members held meetings across the metro in response to a wave of violence that has left the Somali community shaken and ready for solutions. The main question on everyone's mind: How do we save the youth from this violence? Thursday evening, a 15-year-old was arrested in connection with the shooting last week outside the Northtown Mall in Blaine that left a 15-year-old boy dead. A 20-year-old man is charged with aiding an offender to avoid arrest. This disturbing pattern is forcing community conversations in mosques, schools and homes. "We don't want these things to continue – it has to stop," said Ibrahim Mohamed, Community Resource Center Executive Director. Dr. Salma Hussein believes change begins with mentorship in a time when violence is rising and resources are missing. "[We have to] teach young men that self-defense can look like and should look like asking for help, can and should look like sitting done for mediation," she said. This mobilization isn't new to the community. In 2023, it was fireworks that caused fear on the University of Minnesota campus. The presence of Somali leaders like Hassanen Mohamed made an impact. Hassanen runs Minnesota Somali Community Center, a nonprofit that provides mentorship and support to Somali youth. He answered the call when chaos erupted once before and is ready to step in and save lives now. "Some of the youth, we knew who their parents are, and we called them," Mohamed said. "What worked in Dinkytown can work in Burnsville or large gatherings." Mohamed believes the solution isn't more policing but rather safe spaces and community leaders engaging with young people. "Can you imagine if we had youth centers that they can come and hang out, learn about values and be connected to mentors," he said. "If you need help, please connect with faith leaders." Police have pointed to gang affiliations in the shooting outside the Burnsville High School graduation, but community members don't think the violence is organized. One community leader told WCCO these community conversations will continue across the metro. The current focus being keeping the peace during Fourth of July
