All articles tagged with #armed groups
Originally Published 6 days ago — by The Conversation
Venezuela's fragile civil-military alliance is under strain amid political upheaval following Maduro's removal, with various armed groups and factions potentially responding to U.S. pressure with violence or defection, risking a complex and messy conflict.
Originally Published 2 months ago — by CNN
A Malian TikTok influencer supporting the army was abducted and executed by suspected jihadists, amid escalating violence and territorial gains by jihadist groups like JNIM in Mali, which has worsened insecurity and prompted international advisories for nationals to leave Bamako.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The New York Times
Iran, despite being an outsider in the predominantly Arabic and Sunni Middle East, has managed to project its military power through support for over 20 armed groups. These groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iraqi armed groups, and Syrian armed groups, receive various forms of support from Iran, such as weapons, training, and financial aid. Iran's influence has led to increased tensions with Israel and the United States, with recent conflicts in Gaza and Syria renewing fears of a broader war.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
The ongoing violence and political turmoil in Haiti have sparked a debate among Haitians about the necessity of foreign intervention. While some, like Johnny Celestin, believe in Haiti's agency and are against foreign intervention, others, like Monique Clesca, acknowledge the need for international support but emphasize the importance of Haitians leading the efforts. The country's history of destructive foreign intervention, including from the U.S., has fueled skepticism among Haitians. As armed groups continue to escalate violence, the debate over foreign intervention remains contentious, with some advocating for collaboration with foreign actors on Haitian terms, while others, like Jemima Pierre, condemn foreign intervention as a source of Haiti's turmoil.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NBC News
Armed groups in Haiti attacked several electrical stations, leaving parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, in darkness by stealing equipment and documents. The country's power company, EDH, reported that four substations and the Varreux Power Plant were "completely dysfunctional" due to the vandalism. The attacks come amid rising political tension and violence, with armed groups escalating murders, rapes, and kidnappings since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The current crisis adds to Haiti's ongoing recovery from past natural disasters, including the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2021.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
A senior Ukrainian intelligence official stated that armed groups, described as Russians opposed to the Kremlin, have turned two border regions into "active combat zones," while the governor of one of the Russian regions hit by the attacks claimed that hostile troops were no longer present. Three Ukraine-based groups issued statements about armed operations in Belgorod and Kursk regions, urging residents to evacuate for their safety. Russian military bloggers reported Russian paratroops being dispatched to the affected areas, and Russian officials have previously portrayed these groups as puppets of the Ukrainian military and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Democracy Now!
The ongoing crisis in Haiti, marked by violence and political instability, is rooted in the 2004 U.S.-backed coup against the country's first democratically elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The current unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry is facing calls for resignation amidst widespread unrest and armed groups. The U.S. military conducted an overnight mission to airlift nonessential staff out of Haiti, while Caribbean leaders have called for an emergency meeting to address the dire situation. The crisis is exacerbated by the involvement of paramilitary forces, former military and police officers, and the funding of armed groups by the Haitian oligarchy.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Al Jazeera English
Gunmen attacked a Catholic church in the northern village of Essakane, Burkina Faso, killing at least 15 worshippers during Sunday mass. The attack, labeled as a "terrorist attack" by church officials, left 12 dead at the scene and three others succumbed to their injuries later. The region has been plagued by armed group violence, with some attacks targeting Christian churches and clergy abductions. Burkina Faso's military rulers have struggled to restore peace in the conflict-hit areas, exacerbated by porous borders with Mali and Niger, both facing security crises.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Reuters
Iran's Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, visited Baghdad and met with Iran-aligned armed groups, urging them to halt attacks on U.S. forces to avoid escalation. The pause in attacks allowed talks to resume over the future of U.S. troops in Iraq, with the Iraqi government seeking to prevent the country from becoming a battleground for foreign powers. The U.S. asserts Iran's control over armed groups, while Iran says they operate independently. The lull in attacks may be temporary, as some factions vow to resume operations in response to recent killings.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Al Jazeera English
The UN Security Council has unanimously voted to gradually withdraw its peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) earlier than scheduled, despite ongoing concerns over violence. The decision comes as the DRC prepares for presidential and parliamentary elections, where poverty and insecurity are key issues. Congolese authorities have long accused the UN forces of failing to protect civilians from armed groups. The withdrawal of the 14,000 soldiers from the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, was called for by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, who is running for re-election.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Al Jazeera English
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections amidst rising tensions and ongoing conflicts with armed groups in the east. Over 120 groups are fighting for land and resources, with some allegedly backed by neighboring countries. Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi, who came to power in 2019, is seeking a second term but faces criticism for not addressing corruption and failing to distribute the country's vast mineral wealth. His main challenger is Moise Katumbi, a wealthy businessman and former governor. Concerns about transparency and freedom of expression persist, while violence continues in the east. Displaced people and security issues pose challenges to the electoral process.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FRANCE 24 English
At least 40 civilians were killed and over 42 injured in an attack by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) fighters on a military base, homes, and Internally Displaced People's camps in Djibo, Burkina Faso. The attack, carried out by several hundred armed men, was repelled by the army with the help of aircraft. A subsequent search operation neutralized several dozen other terrorists. Burkina Faso has been grappling with an insurgency since 2015, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing millions of people. The country is currently under a transitional government formed after a coup in September 2022.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FRANCE 24 English
Thousands of people have been displaced and some have crossed into China after armed groups fighting for autonomy launched coordinated attacks on Myanmar's junta seeking control of towns. China's public security minister held talks with the junta on establishing peace along their shared border. The armed groups, including the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), have seized military posts and key roads. The United Nations estimates that over 6,200 people have been displaced, with 600 fleeing across the Chinese border. China, a top ally and arms supplier of the junta, has refused to label the power grab a coup and has provided support to the groups controlling the border areas.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NPR
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warns that armed groups allied with Iran are prepared to strike if Israel's war against Hamas continues. He states that these groups have plans that are "more powerful and deeper" than what has been witnessed so far. Iran sponsors various militant groups in the region and has provided weapons and support for Hamas. The warning comes as Israel intensifies its airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in thousands of Palestinian casualties. Amir-Abdollahian claims that Iran provides only political support for Hamas, but acknowledges that Hamas has sufficient weapons of its own. He also discusses the possibility of a ceasefire and the release of non-military hostages held by Hamas.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Al Jazeera English
At least 17 Niger soldiers were killed and 20 others injured in an attack by armed groups near the border with Mali. The area where central Mali, northern Burkina Faso, and western Niger converge has become a hotspot for violence by armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS in the Sahel region. The attack comes after a military coup in Niger, with the new government revoking agreements with the French military and suspending aid, making it difficult for Niger to source equipment and deal with the rising cases of attacks.