Rival factions within the militant group reportedly clashed over extorted funds, exposing deepening fractures amid intensified Somali military pressure.

A rare internal clash within the ranks of al-Shabab has left at least 40 militants dead in Somalia’s Bakol region, according to Southwest State TV. The violence reportedly erupted in El-Dhun Adegow, a rural area northwest of Baidoa, over disputes regarding financial resources extorted from local populations.

The confrontation, which claimed the lives of senior al-Shabab leaders, underscores growing fractures within the militant group as it struggles to maintain cohesion under increasing military and social pressure. The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local militias and international partners, has mounted sustained offensives targeting al-Shabab’s strongholds, disrupting its command structures and sources of revenue.

While al-Shabab has yet to comment on the incident, the clash reflects the challenges faced by the group in maintaining unity as competition for diminishing resources intensifies. The infighting also signals a possible weakening of its centralized control, as rival factions vie for power and influence amid the financial strain caused by Somali military operations.

This development comes at a critical time for Somalia, where the government has prioritized eliminating al-Shabab as part of its broader efforts to stabilize the nation. The ongoing internal strife within the group may create opportunities for Somali forces to capitalize on its vulnerabilities, further eroding the militants’ operational capacity.

The incident highlights the broader implications of sustained counterinsurgency campaigns, where the erosion of militant groups’ resources and networks often leads to internal power struggles. For Somalia, this rare moment of division within al-Shabab could mark a turning point in its efforts to weaken the group and restore stability to affected regions.

Devastating wildfires claim at least 24 lives as winds threaten to spread flames across highly populated areas in California.

The death toll in the catastrophic wildfires raging across the Los Angeles area rose to at least 24, with fears of more casualties as search teams continue to comb through the ashes of devastated neighborhoods. Flames have already consumed over 16,000 hectares of land, destroying more than 12,000 structures and forcing the evacuation of 150,000 residents.

The fires, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds, are now threatening iconic landmarks, including the J. Paul Getty Museum and the University of California, Los Angeles. Local officials are grappling with the scale of destruction, calling it unprecedented. “Driving through these communities feels like visiting a war zone,” said California Senator Adam Schiff, highlighting the scope of devastation.

Governor Gavin Newsom has labeled the disaster potentially the most expensive in U.S. history, with preliminary damages estimated at up to $150 billion. Criticism has mounted over water shortages that hindered firefighting efforts, prompting Newsom to order an independent review to determine whether infrastructure failures exacerbated the crisis.

Firefighters, assisted by crews from nine other states and Mexico, are prioritizing life safety and containment. However, only two of the four major blazes are nearing control, while the largest, the Palisades fire, remains just 11% contained. Officials warn that winds reaching up to 112 kph could push the fire across Interstate 405, threatening even denser urban areas.

The resilience of California’s emergency response teams is being tested, with 14,000 personnel and 84 aircraft engaged in the fight. Yet, the unpredictable nature of the wind and dry conditions underscores the fragility of the situation.

As flames continue to rage, questions linger about how such disasters can be better mitigated in the future. The Los Angeles fires are a stark reminder of the intersection of climate vulnerability, urban expansion, and the need for robust disaster preparedness.

Meta CEO calls EU antitrust penalties a “strategic disadvantage” and urges Trump to defend American tech dominance.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has called on President-elect Donald Trump to intervene against the European Union’s antitrust fines targeting American tech companies, describing them as akin to tariffs undermining U.S. strategic interests. Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Zuckerberg argued that the EU’s aggressive penalties, which have totaled over $30 billion in two decades, disproportionately affect the United States’ strongest industries.

Zuckerberg criticized the outgoing Biden administration for failing to counter the EU’s actions, suggesting it emboldened Brussels to levy significant fines against firms like Meta, which was recently hit with a €797 million penalty. “If some other country was screwing with another industry that we cared about, the U.S. government would probably put pressure on them,” Zuckerberg said, expressing optimism that Trump would adopt a more protective stance toward American businesses.

The Meta chief’s comments come as the company makes moves seemingly aligned with the incoming administration’s policy preferences. Meta recently announced plans to end its third-party fact-checking program and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, signaling a pivot to policies likely to resonate with Trump’s base.

Zuckerberg’s comparison of EU fines to tariffs underscores his broader argument that antitrust measures serve as economic barriers designed to curb U.S. tech dominance. “It’s a strategic advantage for the United States that we have a lot of the strongest companies in the world,” he stated, calling on the U.S. government to defend American tech interests.

As Trump prepares to take office, Zuckerberg’s public appeal signals a potential shift in the U.S. approach to international regulatory disputes. Whether the incoming administration takes up the tech industry’s cause remains uncertain, but Meta’s overtures highlight the growing tension between Silicon Valley and the EU’s regulatory apparatus.

President-elect Trump blames California’s fires on water management, but experts say infrastructure, not scarcity, is the issue.

President-elect Donald Trump has reignited a long-standing feud with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, blaming the state’s water management for the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. The fires have claimed lives, destroyed thousands of structures, and forced mass evacuations, but water experts argue Trump’s accusations are baseless.

Trump accused Newsom of restricting water flow to Southern California, tying the governor’s policies to dried-up hydrants in Pacific Palisades. However, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power clarified that the issue stemmed from excessive demand and infrastructure limitations, not water scarcity. Experts noted that reservoirs in the region are at record levels, and the state has robust water supplies for firefighting.

Electrical outages, caused by utilities preemptively shutting down power to prevent further fires, compounded the water pressure issues. Without power, pumps that deliver water to hydrants failed. Federal and state officials have deployed generators to restore the flow.

Trump’s comments also referenced a prior policy dispute over redirecting water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Southern California, a move opposed by Newsom’s administration to protect endangered fish species. Experts stressed that this debate is unrelated to the current fires, which are driven by climate conditions, not water policy.

California’s wildfires are a complex challenge exacerbated by drought, high winds, and aging infrastructure ill-suited to combat such disasters. Trump’s remarks, dismissed by experts as misinformation, distract from addressing the systemic changes needed to protect communities and resources.

As the fires rage on, California’s focus remains on safeguarding lives and providing the resources firefighters need, while policymakers grapple with long-term solutions to mitigate future crises.

Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan dismisses allegations of unauthorized diplomacy, reaffirming his commitment to transparency and Somaliland’s independence.

Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, chairman of Somaliland’s Waddani party, has firmly denied accusations of a secret meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a recent trip to Djibouti. The allegations sparked public outrage in Hargeisa, where protests erupted, accusing Hirsi of undermining Somaliland’s independence and overstepping his role as a party leader.

Hirsi dismissed the claims as baseless, emphasizing that any discussions involving his party would align with Waddani’s policies and be conducted openly. He reaffirmed his commitment to Somaliland’s sovereignty, stating, “We do not operate in secrecy.”

The incident has reignited debates about Somaliland’s engagement with Somalia, with critics pointing to the inconclusive results of over a decade of negotiations between the two nations. Many view these dialogues as distractions from Somaliland’s pressing domestic priorities, including governance and development.

As Somaliland continues its quest for international recognition, its leaders face heightened scrutiny to maintain transparency and focus on the nation’s aspirations for sovereignty and progress. Hirsi’s denial underscores the sensitivity of such allegations in a region deeply invested in its self-determination.

A Birmingham-based drill rapper, Omar Abdirizak, known by his stage name Twista Cheese, has been convicted of posting a “menacing” video targeting former English Defence League leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson.

The video, which was shared on social media and garnered over two million views, featured Abdirizak referencing artillery, making a gun gesture, and shouting “pow, pow, pow.” Prosecutors argued these actions crossed the line from free speech to criminality under the Communications Act 2003. Abdirizak, 31, denied the charges but was found guilty after a two-hour trial at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

The video was posted amidst heightened tensions following summer riots targeting mosques and other institutions. Prosecutor Tim Talbot-Webb told the court the video’s content, including references to “pirates” and “artillery,” could cause apprehension of serious violence. The footage was reposted by Robinson, who claimed it was a murder threat incited by “media lies.”

Abdirizak defended his actions as a form of artistic expression, asserting that the video was “entertainment” aimed at promoting his music and addressing controversial public figures. He denied making direct threats or intending harm, stating that his gestures and references to firearms were linked to a Somali music video he encouraged followers to watch.

The court heard that Abdirizak’s video followed discussions in the media about societal issues linked to the riots, including debates between broadcaster Piers Morgan and influencer Andrew Tate. Abdirizak claimed his video was a response to Robinson’s rhetoric and intended to “put Tommy Robinson in his place.”

Despite the rapper’s claims of artistic intent, prosecutors emphasized the threatening nature of the language and imagery, particularly in the context of ongoing communal tensions.

Abdirizak, who also faces charges of cannabis possession and a racially aggravated public order offense, has been granted conditional bail and will be sentenced on February 12. The court has indicated it will consider his mental health and other potential “hidden disabilities” before passing judgment.

The case has reignited debates around the boundaries of free speech, artistic expression, and hate speech, particularly in the context of politically charged rhetoric. It also underscores the legal risks faced by individuals who create and share provocative content on social media platforms.

Devastating wildfires in Los Angeles disrupt the entertainment industry, forcing evacuations, canceling events, and delaying the announcement of the 97th Academy Awards nominees.

The entertainment capital of the world is grappling with an unprecedented crisis as wildfires rage through Los Angeles, disrupting lives, displacing residents, and bringing Hollywood to a standstill. As flames engulf large swaths of the city, the impact on the entertainment industry has been both immediate and profound.

Amid this catastrophe, the announcement of the 97th Academy Award nominees has been postponed, throwing the highly anticipated awards season into disarray. Film premieres and other major events have been canceled, and iconic locations like Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk have temporarily closed their doors. The wildfires have not spared the homes of celebrities, forcing stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Mandy Moore, and Maria Shriver to evacuate.

The Pacific Palisades fire, one of the largest blazes, has devoured nearly 12,000 acres, affecting the scenic area that hosts numerous high-profile residents. Curtis, whose home lies in the fire’s path, shared her fears on social media, urging people to pray for the affected communities.

Authorities have called for the evacuation of over 100,000 residents, as relentless flames and strong winds continue to wreak havoc. With at least five fatalities and more than 1,000 structures destroyed, the human and economic toll is staggering.

The entertainment industry, a cornerstone of Los Angeles, finds itself paralyzed. Film permits have been revoked in Pasadena and other fire-hit regions, grinding productions to a halt. The wildfires coincide with the onset of awards season, adding an extra layer of disruption to a city already overwhelmed by natural disaster.

As residents and industry professionals await relief, the wildfires underscore the fragility of life in California’s fire-prone landscape. For Hollywood, the show may go on, but the scars of this disaster will linger long after the flames subside.

Muna Abdulahi uses strategy, community, and cultural identity to compete on The Mole, navigating stereotypes and reality TV’s challenges.

Muna Abdulahi, a Somali American poet from Minneapolis, captured audiences’ attention with her strategic gameplay and cultural authenticity on Netflix’s The Mole. Competing for a $154,000 prize, Abdulahi skillfully navigated the high-stakes reality game show while embracing her identity as a Muslim woman and a poet, breaking new ground for representation on mainstream television.

Bringing Poetry to Strategy

Abdulahi’s journey as a poet deeply influenced her approach to the competition. Growing up in Minnesota, she found a connection to her Somali heritage through poetry, a tradition revered in Somali culture. Inspired by a lack of representation in literature and media, Abdulahi dedicated her art to amplifying marginalized voices. This focus on storytelling and nuance became a cornerstone of her strategy on The Mole.

Game Strategy and Stereotype Subversion

Entering the game, Abdulahi deliberately leaned into stereotypes often associated with Muslim women—quiet, shy, and reserved—to encourage her fellow contestants to underestimate her. However, as the competition progressed, she adapted her approach, revealing a dynamic and observant side that made her a formidable player.

Her preparation included watching international seasons of The Mole, memorizing details to identify the saboteur, and developing adaptability—key to thriving in the game’s unpredictable environment. This adaptability allowed Abdulahi to challenge assumptions while remaining true to her values.

Navigating Cultural Boundaries

Unlike other reality shows like Survivor or Big Brother, The Mole provided a structure compatible with her values as a Muslim woman. This accessibility enabled Abdulahi to showcase the complexities of her identity while competing on equal footing.

“Preserving my values and playing the game were equally important,” she said, highlighting her careful balance of personal integrity and competitive strategy.

While Abdulahi initially focused solely on winning, she found herself forming genuine friendships with her fellow contestants. These connections, forged during off-camera moments, added depth to her experience. Abdulahi’s emphasis on community mirrored her poetry’s central theme—elevating the shared humanity that transcends cultural and personal differences.

A Symbol of Representation and Complexity

Abdulahi’s participation on The Mole offered a rare glimpse into the experiences of a Somali American Muslim woman in the high-pressure world of reality television. By embracing her identity and showcasing her multifaceted personality, she challenged stereotypes and provided an empowering representation of underrepresented communities.

Her family and community rallied behind her throughout the competition, cheering her on with the enthusiasm of a sports event. “It was beautiful,” Abdulahi reflected, emphasizing the importance of her support system in her journey.

Muna Abdulahi’s appearance on The Mole underscores the significance of representation in media. Her ability to balance cultural identity, strategic acumen, and personal authenticity serves as a reminder of the power of inclusivity in storytelling.

As Abdulahi continues to inspire through her poetry and public appearances, her time on The Mole stands as a testament to the importance of breaking barriers and embracing complexity in a world often quick to stereotype.