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Japan’s First Maritime Passage Through the Taiwan Strait

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A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, signaling Japan’s evolving stance against China’s increasing military assertiveness in the region.

The destroyer Sazanami joined vessels from Australia and New Zealand in navigating the narrow waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, an area central to rising U.S.-China tensions. This transit, typically associated with U.S. warships asserting freedom of navigation, marks Japan’s first such passage, indicating a subtle but deliberate challenge to Beijing’s growing militarization in the East and South China Seas.

The move is likely to provoke a backlash from China, which views the Taiwan Strait as a sensitive zone and claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Japan’s decision to traverse these waters comes amid heightened Chinese military activities near Japan, including the recent incursion of a Chinese spy plane into Japanese airspace and the passage of China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning through Japan’s contiguous zone.

China’s response was swift, with the Global Times, a state-affiliated newspaper, reporting that Chinese military forces had monitored the passage of the ships. However, Beijing’s broader strategic calculus is likely concerned not just with Japan’s individual move but the strengthening of defense ties between Japan and its Western allies, such as Australia and the U.S., which have routinely carried out similar operations in the Taiwan Strait.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi refrained from offering specifics, citing operational security, but the development underscores Japan’s increasing willingness to assert its presence in contested waters. Japan, along with its allies, appears to be signaling a unified stance in promoting freedom of navigation and opposing China’s territorial claims.

Japan’s first-known passage through the Taiwan Strait fits within a broader strategy of bolstering its defense posture in response to growing threats from China and North Korea. As Beijing continues to push its boundaries in both the East and South China Seas, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are increasingly participating in joint exercises and strategic transits to counterbalance China’s influence.

The JMSDF’s latest operation, while non-confrontational, is emblematic of Tokyo’s shift toward a more assertive security policy, complementing its moves to increase military spending and deepen security ties with Indo-Pacific nations like Australia, India, and the U.S. The transit could also be seen as a reaction to rising concerns about Taiwan’s security, a flashpoint in U.S.-China relations and a critical issue for regional stability.

While the passage of Sazanami does not yet mark a drastic departure in Japan’s traditionally cautious approach, it is bound to exacerbate tensions with China.

Beijing is expected to frame this transit as a provocation, raising concerns about further military escalation in the region. Given China’s frequent military operations around Taiwan and the East China Sea, Japan’s move will likely trigger diplomatic protests or increased military activity near Japan’s southern islands.

The broader implications of this event are significant for the Indo-Pacific region. Japan’s involvement in these operations adds weight to the multilateral efforts by Western and allied nations to contest China’s territorial claims. For the U.S., this move could be seen as an essential affirmation of its Indo-Pacific strategy, as allies like Japan play a more active role in maintaining the balance of power.

Japan’s first maritime passage through the Taiwan Strait, accompanied by Australian and New Zealand ships, signals a growing challenge to China’s military assertiveness in the region. While it may lead to heightened tensions with Beijing, it also showcases Japan’s shifting defense posture in response to a rapidly evolving security environment in East Asia.

As China continues its aggressive actions near Taiwan and Japan, regional players like Japan are demonstrating their resolve to counterbalance Chinese influence through strategic military operations and alliances.

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Turkey Moves to Counter UAE Influence in Somaliland as Trump Weighs Recognition

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As Trump’s administration considers recognizing Somaliland, Turkey strengthens ties with Hargeisa to challenge UAE’s expanding influence. 

For the first time in years, Turkey’s Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, visited Somaliland, signaling a major geopolitical shift. The timing of the visit is no coincidence—it comes as Somaliland’s growing ties with the UAE and the U.S. have raised concerns in Ankara, which has long positioned itself as a key player in the Horn of Africa.

Turkey’s deepening engagement in Somaliland is a calculated move to curb Dubai’s increasing influence over Somaliland’s ports, economy, and regional alliances. The Berbera Port, controlled by UAE’s DP World, has become a critical asset, fueling economic expansion and potential U.S. military interest. Turkey, which has a strong alliance with Mogadishu, sees UAE’s rise in Somaliland as a direct challenge.

The Trump administration’s ongoing deliberations over formal recognition of Somaliland add another layer of urgency to Turkey’s engagement. If Washington grants Somaliland official recognition, it would not only solidify Somaliland’s autonomy but also create a new U.S. strategic outpost in the region—an alternative to Djibouti, where China has expanded military influence.

Turkey, which has historically mediated between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, is now stepping into Somaliland more directly. Is Ankara preparing to play both sides, or is it realigning its regional ambitions? With Ethiopia seeking maritime access, the UAE expanding its economic grip, and the U.S. weighing a game-changing diplomatic shift, Somaliland has become a flashpoint for global power competition.

What’s next? If Turkey succeeds in counterbalancing the UAE, it could push for a greater role in regional security and trade agreements. However, if the U.S. recognizes Somaliland, Ankara may be forced to choose between its Somali ally and a rising strategic power in Hargeisa.

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Sweden’s Immigrants on Edge After Mass Shooting

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Sweden’s immigrant community is reeling after a mass shooting in Örebro left 10 dead. Investigators are probing potential racial motives.

Sweden’s immigrant communities are on edge after the country’s worst mass shooting in decades, with 10 foreign-background victims gunned down inside a Swedish language school. Rickard Andersson, a 35-year-old Swedish national, carried out the cold-blooded massacre before turning the gun on himself, leaving more questions than answers.

Authorities insist there’s no clear ideological motive, yet the targeting of immigrants cannot be ignored. Victims from Syria, Iran, Eritrea, Lebanon, Somalia, and Bosnia had come to Sweden to build better lives. Instead, they were gunned down while studying Swedish and training for jobs—the very definition of integration under attack.

Somali Mother Among Victims in Sweden’s Deadliest School Massacre

Public outrage is growing as many suspect a hate crime, especially in a nation where far-right rhetoric has increasingly blamed immigrants for crime and economic struggles. The government, backed by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, has tightened migration policies, fueling division.

Authorities warn that Andersson was a loner, an unemployed man with legal firearms but no criminal record. Yet, the immigrant community is not convinced. Social worker Annie Boroian says foreigners already feel excluded, and this tragedy deepens that alienation.

The investigation could take a year, but for many, the fear is immediate. Sweden’s immigrant communities feel vulnerable, caught between rising nationalism, tightening policies, and now, deadly violence. The real question is—was this a lone act, or a symptom of something much darker brewing in Sweden?

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Rights groups sue Trump administration over migrants transferred to Guantanamo

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Trump administration faces lawsuits over secretive migrant transfers to Guantanamo Bay, as rights groups warn of constitutional violations.

The Trump administration’s mass deportation blitz has taken a drastic and unprecedented turn—migrants detained on U.S. soil are now being shipped to Guantanamo Bay. With at least 30,000 beds being prepared at the offshore prison, Trump calls it a necessary step to remove “violent criminals”, but rights groups are calling it an unconstitutional detention scheme.

The ACLU and advocacy organizations have filed a lawsuit against the administration, demanding access to detainees who have been cut off from legal counsel. The case of Eucaris Carolina Gomez Lugo, who recognized her brother in handcuffs at Guantanamo after being accused of gang affiliations without trial, is a chilling example of how due process is vanishing under Trump’s immigration policies.

Trump’s crackdown aims to deport over a million migrants in a year, requiring 2,700 removals daily—but Guantanamo’s expansion suggests an even harsher playbook. Critics say it’s political theater, meant to showcase brute force over immigration policy, while sidestepping U.S. legal protections.

Historically, Guantanamo was used for Haitian and Cuban migrants stopped at sea—never for those detained on U.S. soil. But Trump is rewriting that rulebook, deploying a militarized solution to an immigration crisis that past presidents handled differently.

Obama and Biden, despite their “Deporter-in-Chief” reputations, never resorted to offshore detention facilities. Trump’s move mirrors Guantanamo’s dark history, where detainees were held for years without trial, subjected to torture, and stripped of basic rights.

With mass deportations underway and constitutional challenges mounting, Trump’s immigration war is reaching new extremes—and Guantanamo is once again a battleground in America’s fight over human rights, security, and the rule of law.

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Africa

Algeria’s Selma Haddadi Rises: The New Power Broker in the AU

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Algerian diplomat Selma Haddadi secures the AU Commission deputy chair, solidifying North Africa’s influence in the continental body.

Algeria has cemented its grip on African diplomacy as Selma Haddadi—the country’s ambassador to Ethiopia—secures the African Union Commission’s deputy chairmanship. Elected during the 38th AU Summit, Haddadi triumphed over five contenders from North Africa, reinforcing Algeria’s growing clout in continental affairs.

With a bold vision for Africa, Haddadi promises to infuse fresh energy into AU leadership, unlocking the continent’s human capital and advancing the African solutions to African problems agenda. Her victory signals a strategic shift, as Algeria strengthens its position in the AU alongside Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, who clinched the chairperson seat.

This election reshapes AU leadership dynamics, with North and East Africa now wielding unprecedented influence. Haddadi’s challenge? Turning AU ambitions into reality—where bureaucratic inertia often stalls progress. With her diplomatic experience and Algeria’s backing, she could be the powerbroker Africa needs to push forward urgent reforms and assert continental autonomy.

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Djibouti’s Mahamoud Secures Historic AU Commission Chairmanship

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Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf elected as AU Commission Chairperson with 33 votes, marking a major political victory for President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Minister Ilyas M. Dawaleh.

Djibouti has officially seized the reins of African diplomacy as Mahamoud Ali Youssouf clinched the African Union Commission chairmanship with a commanding 33-vote victory. This is not just a personal triumph for Youssouf but a strategic masterstroke orchestrated by President Ismail Omar Guelleh and his closest political tacticians.

Behind the scenes, Ilyas M. Dawaleh—Djibouti’s Economy Minister—played a decisive role, securing critical endorsements from French-speaking African nations and leveraging Djibouti’s influence with key power players. His cryptic yet celebratory post on X summed it up: “We made it! Thank you to all African leaders who made this happen. Above all, thankful to Allah. History is made.”

This victory shifts the balance of power in the African Union, placing Djibouti at the center of the continent’s political agenda. With Guelleh’s steady leadership, Dawaleh’s strategic maneuvering, and Youssouf’s diplomatic prowess, Djibouti is now positioned to steer the AU through an era of transformation. The next moves of this powerhouse trio will define Africa’s future—and waryatv.com will be tracking every step.

Why Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf Will Win the AU Chairmanship

 

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Terrorism

Jubbaland Forces Capture Senior Al-Shabaab Judge

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Jubbaland security forces raid Al-Shabaab stronghold, killing four militants and capturing a high-ranking judge in a strategic counterterrorism operation.

Jubbaland security forces have scored a major counterterrorism victory after capturing a senior Al-Shabaab judicial official and killing four militants in a targeted raid near Dhoobley, southern Somalia.

The high-stakes operation, conducted in the Lafo-Gari area of Lower Juba, led to the arrest of Moalim Mohamed, who served as deputy judge in one of Al-Shabaab’s shadow courts. These courts have been instrumental in enforcing the group’s brutal form of Islamic law, issuing arbitrary punishments and controlling local populations through fear.

According to Colonel Mohamed Heybe, the security commander of Dhoobley district, intelligence reports pinpointed Al-Shabaab activity in the area, prompting a surprise raid by Jubbaland forces.

Upon arrival, around 20 militants engaged the security forces in a fierce gunfight. After a brief but intense battle, four Al-Shabaab fighters, including the group’s financial chief for Lafo-Gari, were eliminated, and two others were wounded before the remaining insurgents fled.

The capture of Moalim Mohamed is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational and financial networks in Lower Juba. The group has long relied on informal taxation and judicial control to enforce its rule and fund its operations.

This latest operation highlights the increasing effectiveness of Somali federal and regional forces, backed by international partners, in combating the al-Qaeda-linked insurgency that has terrorized Somalia and spilled over into Kenya for more than 15 years.

The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent months, with coordinated offensives across multiple regions. The successful raid near Dhoobley underscores Jubbaland’s commitment to eliminating militant strongholds and cutting off Al-Shabaab’s revenue sources.

With continuous operations targeting militant leaders, financiers, and enforcers, the noose is tightening around Al-Shabaab, setting the stage for further counterterrorism successes in southern Somalia.

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Kenya Rallies Behind Raila Odinga for AU Commission Chairmanship

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Kenya reaffirms its full support for Raila Odinga’s bid for African Union Commission chairmanship as the election nears.

As the African Union Commission (AUC) elections near, Kenya has intensified its diplomatic push to ensure Raila Odinga secures the chairmanship, reaffirming its full support and commitment to his victory.

Over the past several months, Odinga has conducted an aggressive campaign, directly engaging over 40 African Heads of State, earning endorsements from the East African Community (EAC) and key Pan-African allies. This broad-based support positions him as a front-runner to take over the continental body’s leadership.

Kenya’s government, led by President William Ruto, remains at the forefront of Odinga’s campaign, with Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura reaffirming that Nairobi is fully engaged in ensuring victory.

“The government reaffirms its unwavering support for Mr. Odinga’s bid and remains committed to rallying regional and continental backing,” Dr. Mwaura stated in a press release.

He emphasized that an Odinga-led AUC would align with President Ruto’s institutional reform agenda, making the African Union more effective, people-centered, and responsive to continental challenges.

Thousands of Kenyans, including diaspora members in Ethiopia, have voluntarily traveled to Addis Ababa ahead of the elections on February 15-16, showcasing an extraordinary display of patriotism.

“This overwhelming support from Kenyans at home and abroad is a testament to their belief in Odinga’s leadership,” Dr. Mwaura noted.

The Kenyan delegation in Addis Ababa remains standard-sized and in line with diplomatic protocols, while the additional presence of Kenyans in Ethiopia reflects a strong show of solidarity.

Kenya is confident that Odinga’s vast experience, commitment to Pan-Africanism, and transformative leadership will resonate with AU member states, leading to a successful election outcome.

With the AUC elections just days away, all eyes are now on Addis Ababa, where Odinga’s diplomatic maneuvering and strategic alliances will be put to the ultimate test. If successful, his leadership could steer the AU towards a new era of unity, economic transformation, and institutional efficiency.

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Somaliland President Rejects U.S. Plan to Resettle Palestinian Refugees

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President Irro denies Somaliland’s involvement in U.S. refugee relocation plans, reaffirms support for Palestinian rights.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has firmly denied reports that his government is engaged in talks with the United States regarding the resettlement of Palestinian refugees. Speaking to Sky News Arabia, Irro made it clear that no formal discussions have taken place and stressed that Somaliland’s foreign policy remains aligned with Arab nations regarding the Palestinian issue.

“Somaliland values its strategic partnership with the United States in economic and security matters, but we have not been approached about this issue. Any decision of this scale requires broad diplomatic engagement,” Irro stated.

His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other nations, sparking widespread speculation about potential host countries. Reports from media suggested that Somaliland and Puntland were among the considered locations, though neither Washington nor Hargeisa has provided official confirmation.

Irro reaffirmed Somaliland’s unwavering stance in support of Palestinian sovereignty, calling for a diplomatic resolution that aligns with broader Arab consensus. He also emphasized Somaliland’s priority of strengthening economic ties, securing regional stability, and maintaining its growing geopolitical influence.

His statements come amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland continues to assert itself as a key player. Irro, who recently attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, underscored his administration’s commitment to economic development and international recognition while maintaining neutrality on external conflicts.

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