: Kenyan man convicted of plotting 9/11-style attack for al-Shabab. Federal jury finds him guilty on all counts; sentencing set for March 2025.

A Kenyan man was convicted on November 4 of plotting a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building on behalf of the terrorist organisation al-Shabab.

A federal jury in Manhattan, US, found Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, guilty on all six counts he faced for conspiring to hijack an aircraft and slam it into a building, according to court records.

He’s due to be sentenced next March and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison.

Abdullah represented himself during the trial, which opened last week. He declined to give an opening statement and did not actively participate in questioning witnesses.

In court papers filed ahead of the trial, prosecutors said Abdullah intended to “merely sit passively during the trial, not oppose the prosecution and whatever the outcome, he would accept the outcome because he does not believe that this is a legitimate system.”

Lawyers appointed to assist Abdullah in his self-defence didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Monday.

Federal prosecutors, who rested their case Thursday, said Abdullah plotted the attack for four years, undergoing extensive training in explosives and how to operate in secret and avoid detection

He then moved to the Philippines in 2017 where he began training as a commercial pilot.

Abdullah was almost finished with his two-year pilot training when he was arrested in 2019 on local charges.

He was transferred the following year to U.S. law enforcement authorities, who charged him with terrorism-related crimes.

Prosecutors said Abdullah also researched how to breach a cockpit door and information “about the tallest building in a major U.S. city” before he was caught.

The State Department in 2008 designated al-Shabab, which means “the youth” in Arabic, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The militant group is an al-Qaida affiliate that has fought to establish an Islamic state in Somalia based on Shariah law.

Keywords: Kenyan man convicted:9/11-style attack plot:al-Shabab terrorism: U.S. federal jury verdict: Terrorism charges

: Ethiopia signs a historic deal with Somaliland for naval access, becoming the first nation to recognise it as an independent state, stirring regional tensions.

A groundbreaking agreement signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland—a self-declared state within Somalia—and Ethiopia could allow Ethiopia access to naval and commercial port facilities on the Red Sea.

 In return, Ethiopia would officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, making it the first country globally to do so. 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, is anticipated to reshape regional dynamics and has already sparked geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa, an area marked by conflict and complex alliances.

For Ethiopia, which is landlocked, the deal offers significant strategic advantages, providing direct access to the Red Sea for the first time since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.

 This access would enhance Ethiopia’s trade routes and bolster its security capabilities in a critical maritime region, reducing its heavy reliance on Djibouti’s port, currently its primary outlet to the sea.

This MoU also marks a significant diplomatic milestone. If it proceeds, Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty would be the first of its kind from any country in Africa or worldwide, potentially setting a precedent that could inspire other countries. 

The official recognition would likely bolster Somaliland’s long-standing bid for international legitimacy; since declaring independence in 1991, it has sought recognition without success, remaining unrecognized under international law.

However, the implications of Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could be far-reaching. Other regional powers, including Djibouti, Eritrea, and several Arab states with vested interests in the Red Sea corridor, view this development with caution. 

Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory, is particularly opposed, fearing that Ethiopia’s endorsement could embolden other secessionist movements and threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity.

 Additionally, regional players worry that this agreement could destabilize the Horn of Africa by challenging existing borders and emboldening separatist sentiments in other areas.

As Ethiopia navigates its next steps in this high-stakes diplomatic and strategic initiative, the deal’s impact on Somalia’s territorial unity, the stability of the Red Sea region, and Ethiopia’s role in regional geopolitics remains to be seen. The international community is watching closely as this landmark agreement unfolds, potentially reshaping alliances and fueling new tensions in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.

Keywords: Ethiopia Somaliland deal: Maritime access: Somaliland recognition: Horn of Africa tensions: Geopolitical implications

Israel aims to set up a military base in Somaliland to strengthen security against Houthi threats and improve surveillance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Israel is reportedly pursuing the establishment of a military base in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, to bolster its security measures against threats posed by Yemen’s Houthis and enhance surveillance capabilities over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

 This initiative reflects Israel’s broader regional ambitions and underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

As reported by the Middle East Monitor on October 24, 2024, this move highlights Israel’s strategic interests in a region marked by tension and competition.

 According to a senior Israeli defense official, “Our security needs are evolving, and establishing a presence in Somaliland could help us counter emerging threats.”

Israel is not alone in this pursuit; other countries such as India, China, Russia, and the United States have also shown interest in establishing military bases in Somaliland. 

Ethiopia, in particular, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hargeisa, granting it access to naval bases and port facilities, thereby enhancing its strategic footprint in the region.

Somaliland, which operates autonomously but lacks formal recognition from most nations, has attracted international interest due to its strategic location.

 Bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia, and with a 460-mile coastline along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland lies near critical maritime routes through which nearly a third of the world’s maritime cargo passes.

 This geographic advantage positions Somaliland as a desirable partner for countries looking to secure a foothold in the region, especially in the realms of maritime security, anti-piracy efforts, and counter-terrorism operations.

Israel’s interest in Somaliland can be analyzed through various lenses. Primarily, it is driven by national security concerns.

 Historically, Israel has felt vulnerable amid perceived threats from neighboring Arab nations, and establishing a strategic presence in Somaliland could significantly enhance its defense capabilities.

 The recent surge in conflict, particularly highlighted by the October 7, 2023, attacks, has intensified Israel’s need for greater strategic depth in the face of persistent security challenges from groups like the Houthis in Yemen.

Beyond security considerations, a partnership with Somaliland also presents significant economic prospects. The region’s developing economy offers investment opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.

 Israeli agricultural technology could greatly benefit Somaliland, where subsistence farming is prevalent, and the region heavily relies on food imports.

 As agricultural expert and consultant Eli Cohen stated, “Introducing innovations in agriculture could transform Somaliland’s food security and economic landscape.”

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays a pivotal role in this evolving scenario.

 With a military base in Somaliland and a history of investment in the region, the UAE has established itself as a key player. 

Their recognition of Somaliland and training of local security forces lay a strong foundation for a strategic partnership that aligns with Israel’s interests.

 Reports indicate that the UAE has facilitated negotiations for Israel to establish a base in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland, emphasizing the interconnectedness of their strategic objectives, particularly regarding countering Iranian influence in the region.

Furthermore, collaboration between Israel and the UAE may extend beyond Somaliland, with potential plans for a military and intelligence facility on Yemen’s Socotra Island.

 The UAE’s previous interest in Socotra, combined with its normalization of relations with Israel through the “Abraham Accords,” showcases a mutual goal of enhancing security and asserting regional dominance.

Recognizing Somaliland as an independent state offers Israel multiple advantages: it reinforces its national security, counters regional threats, creates economic opportunities, fosters diplomatic relations, and promotes democratic governance. 

In a region fraught with competition for influence and resources, Israel’s engagement with Somaliland could provide a unique entry point to assert its presence while navigating the geopolitical challenges that often hinder interactions with other regional powers.

As a Somali political analyst noted, “Somaliland’s strategic importance cannot be overstated; its independence and security partnerships could reshape the dynamics of the Horn of Africa.”

Keywords:Israel: Somaliland:Military base:Regional security:Bab al-Mandab