Mugadishu - A one-time deputy leader and spokesman for Somalia's Shabaab insurgents defected to the country's government on Sunday, a local official said.

Mugadishu - Last month, a baby was born in the Somali capital Mogadishu with a terrible eye defect that requires treatment abroad.

Mugadishu - At least 10 people were killed Tuesday when Shabaab Islamists drove an explosives-laden minibus into local government offices in the Somali capital Mogadishu, according to the security ministry.

Mugadishu - A suicide car bombing and armed assault by six Shabaab militants on two neighbouring restaurants in Somalia's capital Mogadishu ended Thursday morning with at least 18 dead, the government said.

Afgooye - He was thin but strong, in a new uniform and boots. After forcing his way into Hawo's ragged shelter the man put a gun to her throat, then raped her, twice.

Mugadishu - The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia that left at least five people dead as it steps up activities in a region dominated by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab.

Mugadishu - At least six people were killed and about 10 injured Monday in a car bomb attack in Somalia's capital Mogadishu claimed by militant Islamist group Shabaab, police told AFP.

Mugadishu - An American soldier has been killed in a night-time raid in Somalia, in what is believed to be the first US military death in combat there since the infamous events of "Black Hawk Down" 24 years ago.

Mugadishu - Somalia security forces on Wednesday freed eight sailors who had been taken ashore by pirates after they were chased off a hijacked Indian ship earlier this week, a coast guard official said."The eight hostages were freed without fighting.

Mugadishu - Somalia's new army chief escaped a car bombing Sunday that killed at least 10 people in a bloody response by Shabaab militants to the president's declaration of war on the group.

Mugadishu - Somali pirates have seized an Indian cargo ship and 11 crew members, the ship's owner said Monday, as a recent series of hijackings raises fears of a resurgence in piracy.

Mogadishu - On the request of U.S. African Command leaders, President Trump has relaxed the combat rules for U.S. troops and operations within Somalia.

Mugadishu - At least five people were killed when a minibus laden with explosives blew up in Mogadishu on Tuesday, a local official said, the latest attack in the troubled Somali capital.

Afgooye - Mariam Ibrahim, her seven children and two neighbouring families were the last to leave their village in southwestern Somalia.

Mugadishu - Somali pirates on Thursday handed over an oil tanker and eight Sri Lankan hostages captured just days ago, the Oceans Beyond Piracy NGO told AFP, bringing to a close the first such attack since 2012."The Puntland maritime police force freed the ship.

Mugadishu - Coastguards in northern Somalia exchanged gunfire Thursday with armed men aboard a boat heading towards a hijacked oil tanker where pirates are holding eight hostages, an official said.

Mugadishu - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged the international community to take action to avert famine in Somalia where a biting drought has left three million people going hungry.

Mugadishu - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres arrived in Somalia Tuesday to discuss a hunger crisis which has pushed the country to the verge of famine with new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

Mugadishu - Somali's newly elected President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Tuesday declared a "national disaster" due to severe drought which aid agencies say has left some three million in crisis.

One of the recommendations of the Pentagon to the new Trump administration is to expand the battle in Somalia against the Al-Shabab, Al-Qaeda-linked militants.