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September 13, 2023 - Over 5,000 Presumed Dead, At Least 10,000 Missing After Floods In Libya. Floods in Libya, North Africa caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel resulted in dams bursting in the city of Derna. Read more
September 11, 2023 - Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency. Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024. Read more
September 10, 2023 - Over 2,000 people have been found dead and 2,059 injured, 1,404 seriously due to the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco, Northern Africa. The number is likely to rise as casualties are assessed. Pager fatality and economic risk changed to RED. Read more
September 8, 2023 - US Moving US Forces Based In Niger Out Of Capital As "Precautionary Measure". "There is no threat to American troops and no threat of violence on the ground. This is simply a precautionary measure". Read more
August 30, 2023 - Security Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, Central Africa advises U.S. citizens to shelter in place, limit unnecessary movements around town, and continue to avoid transiting the downtown and Presidential Palace area. Read more
September 8, 2023 - A 6.8 earthquake has hit Oukaïmedene, Morocco in Northern Africa at a depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles deep). Economic pager risk: Orange, Fatality Risk: Yellow. Read more
August 29, 2023 - Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world. Read more
August 27, 2023 - At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Seiera, Somalia, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Kismayo. Read more
August 21, 2023 - Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023. Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia.Read more
August 20, 2023 - Niger's New Military Leader: Any Attack On Country Will Not Be "Walk In The Park". On Friday military chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had decided to activate a "standby force". Read more
August 18, 2023 - Africa Command: At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Cali Heele, approximately 244 kilometers North East of Mogadishu, Somalia. Read more
August 3, 2023 - Niger: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 4 – Do Not Travel. The Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Niger. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on October 5, 2022. Read more
August 3, 2023 - Ordered Departure of Non-Emergency U.S. Government Personnel from U.S. Embassy Niamey, Niger. The State Department continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation. Read more
July 20, 2023 - US Carries Out Airstrike In Somalia, Africa Against al-Shabaab Terrorists. AFRICOM: "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri Kalle". Read more
July 9, 2023 - U.S. Forces provide airstrike assistance to Somalia National Army. The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization. Read more
June 11, 2023 - The United States and Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the resumptions of "intense violence" in Sudan following the expiration of the short-term ceasefire. Read more
June 5, 2023 - AFRICOM: At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. Read more
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Over 5,000 Presumed Dead, At Least 10,000 Missing After Floods In Libya - Floods in Libya, North Africa caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel resulted in dams bursting in the city of Derna.
DERNA - Over 5,000 people have been reported as presumed dead and thousands of people are still missing after floods in Libya, North Africa caused by Mediterranean storm Daniel which resulted in dams bursting in the city of Derna. Read More
Six New Members To Join BRICS, Move Towards Establishing A Single Currency - Countries set to join the economic alliance: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.
JOHANNESBURG - After six new members were announced to be added to BRICS, Russia says that the emerging economic Bloc is moving towards establishing a single currency, adding that it will be a "long and difficult process" to get there.
According to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, the BRICS members decided to invite the following countries to join the economic Bloc: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which would take effect January 1st, 2024.
The new additions will cause the BRICS economic alliance to grow to cover 37% of the world's combined GDP, and contain 46% of the global population: Read More.
6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Morocco, North Africa - A 6.8 earthquake has hit Oukaïmedene, Morocco in Northern Africa at a depth of 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles deep). Economic pager risk: Orange, Fatality Risk: Yellow.
There are currently no known tsunami alerts in effect. This report will be altered if that changes. Black dots on the map represent population density. Read More.
US Moving US Forces Based In Niger Out Of Capital As "Precautionary Measure" - "There is no threat to American troops and no threat of violence on the ground. This is simply a precautionary measure".
WASHINGTON - The United States is moving the U.S. forces based in Niger out of its capital Niamey to Airport 201 in Agadez as a “precautionary measure”, according to a statement by the Department of Defense and the Pentagon. Agadez is about 572 miles by road from Niamey.
During a news conference, Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said, “There is no threat to American troops and no threat of violence on the ground. This is simply a precautionary measure”.
Pentagon: Taking Precautionary Measures. 1,100 US Personnel Have Been “Sidelined” By The Military Takeover In Niamey: Read More.
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Libreville, Gabon - Central Africa (Sept 5, 2023) - Gabon, Central Africa: Borders are now open.
The Libreville airport is open for domestic and international flights. Travelers should keep boarding passes on hand if arriving during curfew, which remains in effect between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Location: Gabon. Event: The airport and borders are now open. The Libreville airport is open for domestic and international flights. Travelers are advised to keep boarding passes on hand if arriving during the imposed curfew.
A curfew remains in effect in Gabon between 18:00 and 06:00, until further notice. The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to limit unnecessary movements during the imposed curfew. More Information
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Libreville, Gabon - U.S. Embassy Libreville, Gabon (Central Africa): The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to shelter in place, limit unnecessary movements around town, and continue to avoid transiting the downtown and Presidential Palace area.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports the borders and airport are currently closed and commercial flights to and from Libreville will reportedly be suspended until further notice. Read Alert
Global Wildfire Update: North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe - North American Wildfire Smoke Reaching Europe. Wildfires continue to burn across the world.
Wildfire maps for each country: See Current Wildfire Maps.
US Airstrike Kills 13 al Shabaab Fighters In Somalia - U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM): At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Seiera, Somalia, approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Kismayo.
US Initial Assessment Of Airstrike: The collective self-defense airstrike was conducted in the early morning hours of Aug. 26, in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization. Full Strike Assessment.
Global Wildfire Locations For Last 24 Hours - August 21st, 2023 - National Weather Service Seattle: "Air quality remains poor across most of Washington this morning, though improvement can be seen along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca as onshore flow is beginning to mix smoke out of the area".
Fires are still burning across the globe, maps included below show wildfires in Africa, Europe, the Indo-Pacific, and North America. There are relatively few fires in Russia. Whether that is due to a lack of sensors in the region is unknown. See Global Wildfire Maps.
Niger's New Military Leader: Any Attack On Country Will Not Be "Walk In The Park" - On Friday military chiefs from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had decided to activate a "standby force".
NIAMEY - After the bloodless July 26th coup d'état by Niger's presidential guard on its president Mohamed Bazoum, the coup's leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani said that any attack against it would "not be a walk in the park".
The military general who was previously the chief of Niger's presidential guard took over the country after the previous president Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown last month.
The coup was condemned by the United States, while the European Union had threatened to cut aid to the country and the UN Security Council expressed its own "concern", calling the coup an effort to "unconstitutionally change the legitimate government" of Niger.
A statement by the UN Security Council read, "The members of the Security Council expressed concern over the negative impact of unconstitutional changes of government in the region, increase in terrorist activities and the dire socio-economic situation".
On August 8th Ali Lamine Zeine was appointed the new Prime Minister of Niger by the leaders of the coup, a man who previously served as Niger's cabinet director and finance minister.
Niger's military spokesman Amadou Abdramane said, "The President of the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland, Head of State, decrees. Article 1. Mr. Lamine Zeine Ali Mahaman is appointed Prime Minister".
Zeine reportedly spoke to the New York Times and addressed the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, stating, "Nothing will happen to him because we don't have a tradition of violence in Niger".
ECOWAS Active Standby Force Ready To Attack: Read Full Report.
US Carries Out Airstrike In Cali Helle, Somalia - US Africa Command: At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Cali Heele, approximately 244 kilometers North East of Mogadishu, Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists on August 15.
The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization.
Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command's initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 5 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed. Read More.
Niger: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 4 – Do Not Travel - The Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Niger. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on October 5, 2022.
The Department of State updated the Travel Advisory for Niger on August 2, 2023, to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and eligible family members.
The Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Niger. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on October 5, 2022.
Last Update: Reissued on August 2, 2023, to reflect the ordered departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members.
U.S. citizens have previously been advised to reconsider travel to Niger due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. On July 26, President Mohamed Bazoum was placed under house arrest amidst efforts to overthrow the democratically elected government of Niger. Subsequent events have severely limited flight options. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
Ordered Departure of Non-Emergency U.S. Government Personnel from U.S. Embassy Niamey, Niger - The State Department continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation.
Statement by the Department of State
The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas, including U.S. government personnel serving abroad.
Given ongoing developments in Niger and out of an abundance of caution, the Department of State is ordering the temporary departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. Commercial flight options are limited.
We updated our travel advisory to reflect this and informed U.S. citizens that we are only able to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Niger given our reduced personnel. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
.US Carries Out Airstrike In Somalia, Africa Against al-Shabaab Terrorists - AFRICOM: "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri Kalle". Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
SOMALIA - USAFRICOM has released a statement that said the U.S. Africa Command carried out a “collective self-defense” airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri Kalle, located about 15 minutes south of Galcad, Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists in support of the Somalian National Army.
The statement said that the Somalian military was engaged by the terrorist organization when U.S. Africa Command carried out the airstrike on al-Shabaab militants.
According to an assessment by AFRICOM and the Somali National Army, the U.S. airstrike killed 5 al-Shabaab terrorists. The statement also said that “no civilians were injured or killed” in the airstrike.
U.S. Forces provide airstrike assistance to Somalia National Army - The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization. Read More On Patreon | Read More On Defcon Alerts | Read More On SJ.
US Africa Command Statement: At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three collective self-defense airstrikes overnight in a remote area near Afmadow, approximately 105 kilometers north of Kismayo, against al-Shabaab terrorists.
The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization.
Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.
Fighting In Sudan Resumes After Ceasefire - SUDAN - The United States and Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the resumptions of "intense violence" in Sudan following the expiration of the short-term ceasefire. Read On Patreon | Read On Defcon Alerts
A joint statement released by the two countries said, "There were violations, and, following the expiration of the short-term ceasefire, facilitators have been deeply disappointed by the immediate resumption of intense violence, which we strongly condemn".
U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia - U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) statement: "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. Read On Defcon Alerts.
"The initial assessment is that the strike, approximately 60 km southwest of Kismayo, killed three al Shabaab fighters. The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly stated that economic reform, social and political reconciliation, and religious tolerance are key pillars of his strategy to mobilize society against international terrorism. Military actions are just one part of the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to comprehensively address their security challenges.
The U.S. is one of several countries providing humanitarian aid, stabilization efforts, economic development, and military assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia in their ongoing campaign.
U.S. Africa Command is the defense arm of the U.S. whole-of-government approach with African partners -- diplomacy, development and defense. This three-pronged, or “3D” approach brings together multiple agencies from within the U.S. government to increase cooperation and support for partner-led, U.S.-enabled solutions to shared security challenges, including violent extremism or terrorism.
Somalia remains central to stability and security in all of East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces train, advise, and assist partner forces to help give them the tools they need to defeat al-Shabaab, the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world.
U.S. Africa Command and partner forces will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.
The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command's operations to promote greater security for all Africans".
U.S. Forces Engage Insurgents In Support Of The Federal Government of Somalia, Carries Out Airstrike - United States Africa Command: "In support of the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia operations against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against militants in the vicinity of the ATMIS forward operating base, FOB Bulo Marer on May 26." Read On SJ (News) | Read On Patreon (Intel/Alerts).
AFRICOM: "The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa".
Sudanese Armed Forces: Operational Situation "Stable" In All States Of Country Except Some Clashes With Rebel Militia Groups In "Some Parts Of The Capital" - Sudanese Armed Forces statement: "A summary of today's situation: The operational situation is stable in all states of the country, except for some clashes with rebel militia groups in some parts of the capital. Read More Alerts
Our forces clashed with a group of rebel militias in a maritime area and destroyed four armed vehicles and the enemy fled.
The rebel militia is still going on looting banks and shops, and stealing citizens' property in their headquarters amid residential neighborhoods in the capital.
Rebels today stormed a container customs station in Supa and looted a large number of its contents. Also the UNICEF warehouses were looted
Your armed forces are monitoring movements of rebel militia groups and our forces are fully prepared to deal with whatever plans the insurgents intend to make.
We urge our citizens to stay away from clash areas and avoid approaching any unknown metal objects until technical teams arrive to deal with them.
Armed forces affirms its bound by conflict rules and international humanitarian law and condemns continued violations by rebel militias.
The armed forces renew the call of rebel militia members to stop prolonging in the failed rebellion plot, to benefit from the pardon of the Commander-in-Chief and to inform the nearest military unit, and points to readiness to facilitate the deportation of foreign mercenaries to their countries in case of extradition.
- Office of the Spokesman of the Armed Forces"
White House Says No Plans To Evacuate Americans In Sudan - Although the Pentagon has deployed forces and is reported to be coming up with options to assist in an evacuation of U.S. citizens located in the African country of Sudan, the White House said on Friday that it has no plans for a country-wide pullout of Americans from the country at this time Read More Alerts
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the troop movement by the United States military in the region are "to ensure that we provide as many options as possible, if we are called on to do something. We haven’t been called on to do anything yet".
A report by Military.com says that there are around 16,000 U.S. citizens registered with the United States Embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, but the State Department says that the number is likely not accurate due to the fact that there is not any requirement for citizens to become registered, or to notify the U.S. Embassy in the country when they decide to leave.
White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby said while in Washington that "It’s absolutely imperative that U.S. citizens in Sudan make their own arrangements to stay safe in these difficult circumstances".
He added that, "Americans should have no expectation of a U.S. government coordinated evacuation at this time. And we expect that that’s going to remain the case".
The report says that a small number of American troops have entered into the country of Djibouti in order to position forces and equipment to aid in a potential evacuation, citing an official who said that the Army is tapping soldiers for the task.
It also said that American troops are being transported to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti. Planning for an evacuation began after a U.S. convoy was attacked in Khartoum by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, as reported by the U.S. State Department.
On Friday, the White House said that no decision had yet been made to carry out any evacuation from the country.
State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel spoke to reporters and said, “A decision has not been made, but I would push back on the notion that we are acting too late,”
“We have been clear-eyed about how American citizens should not travel to Sudan for months now,” Patel said, and indicated that the State Department had released a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory for Sudan.
"We have not parsed our words or been ignorant or naive about the delicate and fragile security situation in Sudan," he added.
Sudanese Army Facilitates International Evacuation Efforts
SUDAN - The Sudanese military has agreed to both facilitate and secure an evacuation for citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, China, and France "in the coming hours," according to a statement by the Sudanese military as the Sudanese army continues to battle the paramilitary faction Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The statement by the Sudanese military said that nationals from Britain, the United States, France, and China, which include diplomats will be evacuated by air on board military transport aircraft from Sudan's capital Khartoum.
Saudi Arabia has released a statement saying it had evacuated 150 people from Sudan on Saturday, which included diplomats and international officials who were evacuated to the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah.
91 of those evacuated by Saudi Arabia were Saudi Arabian citizens, and 66 others were from other countries, such as Pakistan, Qatar, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In addition, the government of the United Kingdom says that they are preparing for a "number of contingencies" and said that they were "doing everything possible to support British nationals and diplomatic staff in Khartoum".
Saudi Foreign Ministry On Evacuation Of Its Citizens From Sudan
Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announces the start of the arrangement for the evacuation of Saudi citizens and several nationals of brotherly and friendly countries from the Republic of Sudan to the Kingdom".
"In the implementation of the directives of the Kingdom's Leadership, we are pleased to announce the safe arrival of the evacuated citizens of the Kingdom from Sudan and several nationals of brotherly & friendly countries, including diplomats & international officials".
IAEA: 2.5 Tons Of Uranium Missing From Libyan Nuclear Site - LIBYA - Inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have found that 2.5 tons of natural uranium are missing from an unnamed Libyan site that is not under the control of the Libyan government. See All Alerts & News
The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi released a confidential statement to member states that Reuters reports to have seen that talk of the findings of an inspection that was originally planned for the previous year, but "had to be postponed because of the security situation in the region," according to the Reuters report.
The postponed inspection was finally carried out on Tuesday, according to the IAEA statement, which was one page long according to Reuters.
The statement said that inspectors, "found that 10 drums containing approximately 2.5 tons of natural uranium in the form of UOC (uranium ore concentrate) previously declared by (Libya) ... as being stored at that location were not present at the location".
The IAEA said that they would be carrying out "further activities" in order to determine how and why the uranium was taken from the site, but the statement reportedly did not state what site the uranium had been taken from.
"The loss of knowledge about the present location of nuclear material may present a radiological risk, as well as nuclear security concerns," the statement said.
US Airstrike Kills 12 al-Shabaab Fighters In Somalia - AFRICOM: A U.S. Airstrike has killed at least 12 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The airstrike was carried out around 28 miles from northeast Mogadishu, according to U.S. Africa Command. Sign up for Live News Alerts.
The Statement By AFRICOM said, "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike Feb 10, 2023.
“The initial assessment is the strike killed 12 al Shabaab fighters. Given the remote location of the operation, the command assesses that no civilians were injured or killed," the statement added.
It also said that the airstrike was carried out at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, and in support of the Somali National Army.
General Michael Langley, the AFRICOM commander said, "U.S. Africa Command provides support to the Somali government to address terrorist threats, but we are only part of the U.S. efforts there".
He added, “Our Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development colleagues have programs that help build resilience through education and training; develop agricultural diversity; improve markets and trade; and strengthen democracy and good governance".
