While Trump talks business, Erdogan snatches U.S. oil fields and military contracts in Somalia and Syria—turning allies into proxies and profits.

Trump wants to put America first. But Erdogan wants to put America in check.

As President Donald Trump moves to limit U.S. exposure abroad, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is running a global hustle—undercutting American firms, sponsoring proxies, and hijacking U.S. influence from Somalia to Syria.

The latest example? Las Anod—the town Somalia seized from Somaliland in 2023, with China’s blessing. Erdogan didn’t just nod; he sent his oil company. Just months after the offensive, Turkey’s state-owned petroleum giant signed rights to land blocks in Somalia, including the Holhol bloc—once explored by Houston-based ConocoPhillips.

And who’s facilitating the handover? Somalia’s PM Hamza Barre, Erdogan’s new pawn. Barre’s Las Anod visit wasn’t diplomacy—it was resource extraction theater, designed to reward Turkish firms for backing Mogadishu’s illegal annexation of Somaliland land.

This isn’t partnership. This is daylight robbery.

Erdogan has already entrenched himself inside Mogadishu’s airport, where U.S. diplomats operate under Turkish security. He built a naval base, trains Somali forces, and now wants the entire Horn of Africa oil patch—all while selling himself to Trump as a strongman “ally.”

He even married his drone empire into power—literally. Erdogan’s daughter is married to Selçuk Bayraktar, Turkey’s top defense tech mogul. Baykar drones are now exported to Somalia, Syria, and anywhere Turkey wants leverage.

Meanwhile in Syria, Erdogan props up puppet president Ahmed al-Sharaa, who funnels reconstruction contracts to Ankara—not Washington. And in the Eastern Mediterranean? Erdogan is expanding maritime claims, slashing through U.S.-backed gas corridors to grab more sea-based wealth.

Erdogan is not Trump’s partner. He’s his economic predator.

While Trump believes business is the best diplomacy—and he’s right—he’s being played. If America doesn’t wake up, Erdogan will gut U.S. influence across East Africa, the Levant, and the Mediterranean—all while laughing on the phone with Beijing and cashing checks in Ankara.

It’s time for the U.S. to stop the charade, shut down Turkey’s energy grabs in Africa, and back real partners—like Somaliland and Israel—who fight for security, not Ottoman revenge fantasies.

As the UAE installs advanced Israeli surveillance tech in Bosaso, Somaliland watches from the sidelines—unprepared, uncertain, and strategically sidelined.

UAE quietly deploys Israeli ELM-2084 radar in Puntland, while Somaliland fails to act. Starlink enters Somalia. The Horn of Africa’s new security map is being drawn—and Hargeisa’s not holding the pen.

The Horn’s balance of power is shifting—and Somaliland is missing in action.

In a stunning military maneuver, the United Arab Emirates has discreetly deployed a state-of-the-art Israeli-made ELM-2084 radar system to Bosaso, Puntland—just steps from its air base. The 3D AESA radar, known for tracking drones, missiles, and hostile aircraft with surgical precision, now anchors Puntland’s growing maritime defense grid.

Coordinates don’t lie.
📍 11°16’16.5”N, 49°06’28.3”E — right where Somaliland was supposed to step in.

Sources confirm the UAE and the U.S. had planned this deployment for Berbera six weeks ago. But Hargeisa wasn’t ready. No infrastructure. No green light. No urgency. So the radar—and the opportunity—moved to Puntland.

And that’s not all. Four more radar units are en route.

At the same time, Elon Musk’s Starlink is beaming into Somalia—expanding Mogadishu’s digital reach and strengthening its control of the skies. While Somalia signs deals, coordinates strategy, and expands presence, Somaliland’s diplomatic and security corridors remain stalled, reactive, and exposed.

This isn’t just missed opportunity. It’s national security negligence.

Meanwhile, Somalia is rearming. Turkey is building bases. UAE is choosing Puntland. And Somaliland?

Still waiting. Still hoping. Still unprepared.

As one analyst told WARYATV, “The question is no longer what Israel, UAE, or the U.S. can do for Somaliland. The real question is: When will Somaliland be ready to say yes?”

Iran-backed Hezbollah caught smuggling weapons across Syrian-Lebanese border as new HTS regime fights to cut Tehran’s reach.

A covert war is raging along the 233-mile border between Syria and Lebanon—and at its heart lies a high-stakes battle to cut off Hezbollah’s lifeline.

According to a bombshell Washington Post report, deadly clashes have erupted between Hezbollah militants and Syrian patrol units, as the Iran-backed terror group scrambles to restore its weapons flow after sustaining crippling losses in its recent war with Israel. With arms stockpiles depleted and senior leadership buried under rubble, Hezbollah is betting everything on reopening its old smuggling trails.

But the game has changed.

Syria’s new HTS-led government, which replaced the Assad regime, has vowed to dismantle Iran’s grip on the border. Commanders report sniper fire, ambushes, and smuggling seizures as Tehran tries to reactivate networks buried since the civil war. “They are trying to open gaps,” said Maher Ziwani, a senior Syrian officer, warning that cooperation between Hezbollah and regional clans has blurred any line between criminal syndicates and terrorist cells.

Despite Israeli airstrikes targeting known Hezbollah positions near Qusayr, caches of Iranian weapons are still being uncovered—in shops, schools, and stairwells just miles from Lebanon. “There is a huge stockpile in Syria that Hezbollah is trying to move out,” said Haid Haid, a Chatham House analyst.

Local commanders claim more than a dozen shipments have already been intercepted, but confidence is razor-thin. “I don’t trust the border even 1%,” Ziwani admitted.

This isn’t just a smuggling war—it’s a showdown between a restructured Syria and Iran’s vision of permanent regional chaos. As Israel keeps its sights locked on Hezbollah, the HTS regime may be doing Jerusalem’s dirty work—disarming Iran’s proxy, one gunrunner at a time.

Getachew Reda’s shock return as Abiy’s advisor exposes deep cracks in Tigray politics, fueling fears of civil war 2.0. 

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has thrown gasoline on a smoldering political fire—appointing ousted Tigrayan rebel leader Getachew Reda as his top advisor on East African affairs, a move analysts call nothing short of a ticking bomb.

The war-scarred region of Tigray, still bleeding from the devastating 2020–2022 conflict that killed over 600,000, now faces fresh political tremors. Just weeks after being purged from power in an internal coup by TPLF chief Debretsion Gebremichael, Getachew has been elevated to ministerial rank by the very government he once fought against.

“This is the ultimate betrayal,” said French researcher Mehdi Labzae. “Getachew still carries real weight among Tigrayans. This move will deepen fractures between the elite and grassroots alike.”

For many in Tigray, this appointment reeks of collaboration with the enemy. Abiy’s camp may see this as a strategic masterstroke—neutralizing a powerful figure—but the optics in Mekelle suggest treason. Already, Debretsion’s faction has seized towns and ousted mayors, with Eritrea quietly backing the maneuvering from the sidelines.

Kjetil Tronvoll, a veteran Horn of Africa analyst, warns that the decision could “accentuate divisions and unravel fragile post-war calm.” The Pretoria peace deal, barely implemented, is now dangling by a thread as the TPLF descends into chaos.

Behind the scenes, fears of a new Tigrayan power struggle—possibly a return to armed confrontation—are growing. With Eritrea lurking and Addis Ababa scheming, Tigray’s battlefield may soon shift from trenches to palaces.

The question now isn’t if Ethiopia’s fragile peace will hold. It’s how long until the knives are drawn again.

As Al-Shabaab steps up attacks, the UN seeks solutions to Somalia’s federal tensions and regional instability.

The United Nations Security Council is preparing to confront the uncomfortable truth about Somalia: the country’s fragile political order is fracturing, and Al-Shabaab is exploiting the chaos with lethal precision. As James Swan prepares to brief the Council, what’s at stake is more than just procedural governance — it’s the very future of a unified Somali state.

Clan rivalries, mistrust between the federal government and regional states, and a stalled constitution are creating the perfect vacuum for the al-Qaeda-linked terror group to reassert control. Al-Shabaab, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., UN, EU, and African Union, has long capitalized on Somali fragmentation. But now, the group is becoming bolder, bloodier, and more strategic — targeting not just civilians but the very heart of the government, including direct attacks on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

What the UN session signals is a mounting international alarm over two interconnected crises: Somalia’s internal political disarray and the resurgence of a terrorist group emboldened by federal paralysis. While the African Union’s new AUSSOM mission is a key pillar in stabilization efforts, it’s hampered by a lack of funding, political coordination, and clarity in command.

Meanwhile, Trump’s White House has revived U.S. airstrike campaigns in Somalia, a rare bright spot in terms of operational pressure on Al-Shabaab and IS-Somalia factions entrenched in Puntland. The Ethiopian Air Force, too, has taken initiative — but regional interventions cannot replace a functioning national strategy.

This upcoming Security Council session is less about reviewing blueprints and more about calling out dysfunction. Without a unified Somali political front, the country will remain a target-rich environment for extremist insurgents, and international support will continue to operate in a vacuum.

What Somalia needs is a political reckoning, not just military reinforcements. AUSSOM must be matched by constitutional clarity, inclusive governance, and a federal system that works — or else, as past decades have proven, terror will keep winning.

If this session ends in diplomatic platitudes and vague funding pledges, Al-Shabaab won’t just survive — it will thrive.

Vice President Aw Abdi Unifies Civilian Forces for National Strength.

Somaliland’s commitment to national unity and robust security, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi led a crucial delegation today, overseeing the integration and nationalization of the Civilian Forces and their combat vehicles. This landmark event, prominently celebrated in Turka area, Gar-Adag District, symbolizes a strategic shift towards centralizing military strength under a unified national command.

Vice President Aw Abdi’s acknowledgment of the pivotal role played by the Turka community underscores the government’s emphasis on grassroots cooperation in achieving national security objectives. The move not only strengthens internal cohesion but also sends a clear signal of stability and preparedness to external observers and potential threats.

Further demonstrating the administration’s determination, the Vice President extended his mission to the Saraar Region’s capital, Caynaba, where another major ceremony marked the nationalization of additional forces transferred from Oog District. This transfer signifies the first batch in the region to be officially integrated, setting a precedent for future operations nationwide.

In a comprehensive address, Vice President Aw Abdi reinforced the Waddajir and Wax-Qabad Government’s ambitious strategy, emphasizing their commitment to a unified and robust Somaliland army. “Our vision is clear: one strong army, sufficiently capable of safeguarding Somaliland’s sovereignty and peace,” Aw Abdi declared.

This strategic nationalization represents a critical step toward strengthening Somaliland’s sovereignty claims and security apparatus. With regional tensions escalating, this consolidation ensures that Somaliland is not only internally cohesive but also strategically positioned to face external pressures and challenges confidently.

This initiative marks a transformative moment, promising increased national stability and showcasing the government’s proactive approach to defense and security. This pivotal development is likely to reverberate positively both domestically and in the broader geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.

EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument could redefine global trade dynamics as Europe grapples with Trump’s economic warfare.

The European Union stands precariously at a critical juncture. With the U.S. imposing sweeping tariffs threatening €380 billion worth of EU exports, the question of Europe’s retaliation is not whether, but how forcefully it should strike back. Ursula von der Leyen offers diplomacy, proposing a “zero-for-zero” tariff scheme, yet behind this olive branch lies Europe’s ultimate weapon—the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI)—which, if deployed, could plunge the transatlantic relationship into uncharted turmoil.

The ACI, an untested measure crafted explicitly to counter economic bullying, would allow the EU to target U.S. service sectors, hitting American tech giants, banks, and corporations directly. Trump’s aggressive trade measures have galvanized leaders across the bloc, yet hesitation lurks beneath the EU’s facade of unity. The bloc’s internal divisions on wielding this potent weapon could undermine their stance, empowering Trump’s bullish trade tactics further.

Germany, France, and Spain push boldly for maximum leverage, signaling readiness to activate the ACI if necessary. German Minister Robert Habeck articulates a stark stance: no option should be ruled out, indicating a willingness to escalate if Trump persists. Yet, nations like Italy and Ireland, facing direct threats to their pharmaceutical and wine industries, urge caution, wary that firing the EU’s ultimate trade weapon may unleash uncontrollable economic chaos.

As trade ministers convene, the rift becomes clear: a majority stand prepared to respond forcefully, but critical voices counsel restraint. Irish Minister Simon Harris warns that triggering the ACI would mark a dangerous escalation—akin to pressing the nuclear button in trade warfare. Italy’s Antonio Tajani even proposes delaying immediate countermeasures, highlighting the precarious nature of Europe’s unity.

Meanwhile, Brussels is readying targeted counter-tariffs, with plans for 25 percent levies on key American exports like soybeans, steel, vehicles, textiles, and cosmetics—a direct, significant retaliation worth €22.1 billion. But this may only be the initial volley. The deeper fear gripping Europe’s leaders is the irreversible step of deploying the Anti-Coercion Instrument, potentially destabilizing global economic structures.

At stake is not merely trade but Europe’s strategic independence and global credibility. The longer Europe wavers, the more emboldened Trump’s aggressive posture becomes. EU trade chief Šefčovič emphasizes a cautious, gradual response to maintain negotiating leverage. Yet, Brussels faces a stark choice: continue to absorb blows from Trump’s economic assault or assertively stand its ground.

With pivotal decisions looming, Europe must decide whether to unleash its ‘trade bazooka,’ knowing full well the risk of triggering an unprecedented economic confrontation. Europe stands on the brink, where hesitation may be as perilous as action. The world watches to see if Europe will dare match Trump’s tariffs blow-for-blow, reshaping global economic power or succumbing to American coercion.

Unraveling the real reasons behind Somalia Prime Minister’s cancelled Lasanod visit amid rising security threats and historical tensions.

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre abruptly cancels his Lasanod visit. Delve into intelligence threats, historical grudges, and Somaliland’s newfound military might reshaping the Horn of Africa’s geopolitics.

Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of Somalia, recently cancelled a planned visit to Lasanod, a city historically marked by political violence and unrest. This decision followed intelligence reports indicating severe threats against his life, escalating regional tensions, and shedding light on the fragile political landscape in the Horn of Africa.

The abrupt cancellation of Barre’s visit signifies deeper geopolitical dynamics at play. Barre, facing backlash over recent extremist remarks and controversial support for Hamas, is increasingly isolated both domestically and internationally. Intelligence reports, citing potential threats from technologically advanced military operations in Somaliland—reportedly bolstered by foreign partnerships, including Israel—underscore Somalia’s growing security challenges.

Lasanod, historically significant and notorious for political assassinations, epitomizes the risks Barre faces. Somaliland’s significant advancements, particularly in drone and AI-assisted intelligence capabilities, suggest a strategic power shift, putting Somalia’s federal government on the back foot.

This incident highlights Somaliland’s rising influence and determination to protect its sovereignty, leveraging international partnerships to bolster its defense capabilities. Conversely, Barre’s government faces heightened scrutiny and internal vulnerabilities, exacerbated by divisive rhetoric and international isolation.

The Somaliland government’s silence on these threats points to internal anxieties, reflecting their precarious position between fostering national unity and confronting external threats transparently. Failure to openly address these issues could risk future stability.

Ultimately, Barre’s cancelled visit is not merely an isolated event but a significant indicator of broader regional instability. With geopolitical interests increasingly converging on the Horn of Africa, Barre’s administration must reassess its stance and diplomacy. The region’s future stability depends on the strategic choices made today.

Hamza Abdi Barre Canceled His Lasanod Visit: Are the Shadows of History Catching Up?