A spokesman for the Pentagon named Patrick Ryder said that the specially trained forces of the United States working to free the hostages have reached Israel, according to the Israeli media.
According to the Israeli authorities, Ryder added that sending an American aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean is “a deterrent message to Hezbollah and Iran not to interfere in the war,” noting that this ship has “espionage, surveillance, and response capabilities.”
He said that Washington will leave the F-35 fighters in the region, and strengthen the F-16 and F-15 fighters to ensure access to different opportunities, as he said.
Delta Force is a special operations unit of the United States Army that focuses primarily on freeing hostages and fighting “terrorism,” and most of their operations.
The unit was established in 1977 by Colonel Charlie Beckwith, who saw the need for a precision strike force within the army and worked with the British Special Air Service in the 1970s, which as part of the exchange of military experience between Washington and London, and to model the famous British Special Air Service.
Delta is involved in the destruction of terrorist cells, strategic reconnaissance and the preparation of battlefield operations, but it also participates in hostage rescue operations and CIA covert operations. This special force falls under the United States Army Special Operations Command (USAOC), but is controlled by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
The primary mission of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) is to conduct critical counter-terrorism operations, while the United States Special Operations Command (USAOC) focuses on unconventional warfare, domestic, foreign and international defense. preventing insurgents.
It is estimated that these forces reach up to 1,000 soldiers. Author Sean Naylor, writing for the Army Times Magazine, in his book about Delta Force, said there may be as many as 1,000 Delta Force soldiers. According to the website of the United States Special Ops, he said that joining this army is subject to conditions such as that the applicants are male, at least 21 years old, and be eligible military personnel.
One of the most famous operations that Delta Force participated in was in 1980, during an attempt to rescue American hostages held in Tehran during an operation called “Eagle’s Claw”.
The operation was described as a failure, due to a malfunction in the equipment of the flight operators, which caused the death of eight Americans, and then the 160th special operations unit of the Air Force was established.
According to the website “Insider”, in July 1983, Delta Force participated in the liberation of five Western “missionaries”, including two American citizens, who were being held by militants of the South Sudan Liberation Front. . It also participated in Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait after the invasion of Iraq in 1991.
In 1993, Delta carried out an operation in Mogadishu, with the aim of arresting the leader of the Somali army, General Mohamed Farah Aidid, but it suffered a heavy blow, after 18 of those forces were killed and 73 others were wounded.
This unit also participated in the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq between 2003 and 2011, and carried out the famous “Red Dawn” operation that arrested former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
According to the Military Commentary website, there are other famous operations in which they participated, such as the evacuation of the US embassy in Libya during the Benghazi attack in 2012, the arrest of the Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and the invasion of Syria from can mention the killing of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
US President Joe Biden said that he condemns the mass killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas, which he described as evil acts, promising that the United States will fully support Israel.
Biden said he would make sure Israel gets everything it needs, including more ammunition and air defense missiles. He confirmed that fourteen Americans were killed and others were captured by Hamas.
Biden added that he is ready to request that additional US troops be sent to the region to prevent any forces that think they are taking advantage of the crisis.
I have been working for some time to stop the contract with De La Rue involving the printing of 380 billion Somaliland Shillings.
First, I contacted anyone that I thought could do something about it. However, when I exhausted that venue and couldn’t lead me a solution, I posted my concerns in my social media spaces.
Following my exposure, the Somaliland Central Bank started to speed up the contract and money printing. This led the Sahamiye Foundation to send the below open letter to De La Rue.
The letter sheds light on the magnitude of the economic collapse that can be expected of such action for the country, which will particularly affect the low-income earners.
Since no one is competing for the contract, the price quoted by the company is exorbitant. In Tanzania, contracts for money printing are transparent and competitive among the companies involved in this type of business, and De La Rue has tripled its price in one of the biddings which caused them to lose the contract.
It is worth noting, as article 35 of the Central Bank Act (Act No. 54/2012), the design and appearance of the new 10,000 shillings note must be submitted to the House of Representatives for approval. At the time of introducing the 5,000 shillings bill, it was brought before the House of Representatives. After they discussed and approved it, then it became the country’s “Legal Tender”.
The current secret contract introducing the new bill of 10,000 shillings is bypassing and in violation of this legal legislative process and even Central Bank is denying that it is being printed.
Finally, it is clear that this company is robbing the nation. Companies that print money are privately owned and independent of governments. Therefore, there is no reason to award this contract to this company which has been known for corruption and bad reputation.
SAHAMIYE FOUNDATION
5 October 2023
De La Rue House,
Jays Close, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4BS
Re: Urgent appeal to reconsider the contract in relation to printing of SL Shilling
Dear Mr. Clive Vacher,
I write to you to raise significant concerns regarding the contract between the Central Bank of Somaliland and De La Rue, involving the printing of 380 billion SL shillings. This contract poses serious economic, ethical and legal issues, and risks plunging millions of children and adults into deeper poverty. Those from low-income and disadvantaged groups of society will be hardest hit, further entrenching the socio-economic divide that inhibits progress and development.
I therefore call on you to take a principled stand. I urge you to cancel the contract and return the $9.6 million that the Central Bank of Somaliland sent you to fund the transaction.
The concerns I have about this contract are:
1. Economic Repercussions: The 380 billion Somaliland shillings you plan to print and ship to Somaliland would double the local currency in circulation and could potentially destabilize Somaliland’s already fragile economy. Somaliland’s economy is largely dollarized.
However, while affluent groups and those receiving international remittances transact in dollars, low-income groups—including nomads, farmers, civil servants, and small traders—primarily earn in Somaliland shillings. Increasing the local currency in circulation disproportionately affects these demographics, devaluing their savings and acting as a concealed tax on the most vulnerable. The highly unusual decision to print money, especially at a time when the country is preparing for presidential elections, is predicted to cause the value of the Somaliland shilling to drop from 8,750 to over 20,000 per dollar.
2. Pricing out the Poorest: Since the introduction of the Somaliland shilling in the mid-1990s, excessive and reckless money printing has caused the Somaliland shilling’s value to plummet from 50 to 8,759 Somaliland shillings per US dollar. While these transactions proved highly profitable for De La Rue, they impoverished millions in Somaliland. This rapid deterioration of the Somaliland shilling’s value contributed to the de facto dollarization of the economy. The local currency became so devalued that it required a wheelbarrow to carry the equivalent of $100.
Before the launch of mobile money services, the primary role of the local currency was to provide small change, required because there was a shortage of small dollar notes and coins. The digitalization of money has reduced the need for physical cash, making it convenient to transact in small dollar amounts. The mobile money accounts in dollars helped the poor to keep some of their money in dollars to hedge against the risks associated with the local currency.
However, in the wake of the last money printing in 2017, when the currency lost 50% of its value, the government mandated mobile money operators to offer Somaliland shilling accounts. They also imposed a rule forcing all transactions under $100 to be conducted in the local currency. This restriction robbed the poorer segments of the population of the opportunity to save in dollars, trapping them in a relentless cycle of devaluation. While affluent groups have devised strategies to bypass the $100 limit to avoid transacting in the local currency, it’s the voiceless majority that will bear the brunt of this insidious tax, which will disproportionately affect the poorest.
3. Improper Contract Rationale: The plan to print 380 billion SL shillings will exacerbate the existing currency oversupply, and is therefore, in effect, pointless and of no benefit to the people of Somaliland. Given that most of the currency is held in mobile money accounts in a predominantly cashless economy, nearly all physical notes are stored at the Central Bank. The primary reason for this contract appears, then, to be rooted in corruption and De La Rue’s desire for profit.
4. Questionable Procurement Process: De La Rue was awarded this contract through a process that bypassed the standard procurement rules and regulations. There was no competitive bidding to ensure value for money, nor was there approval from the parliament for the introduction of the new 10,000 legal tender as required by law. This behavior appears consistent with De La Rue’s involvement in corruption scandals and investigations by the Serious Fraud Office in the past and is disappointing. If the reckless printing process continues unchecked, it could push millions more into poverty.
This is particularly alarming considering existing vulnerabilities caused by local events, such as the Hargeisa market fire and global crises like the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war. The number of food-insecure individuals could more than double because of the combined effect. Moreover, many children would be forced out of school as dollar-based fees become unaffordable for their families. In light of the above concerns, and the broader implications for Somaliland’s economic and social fabric, I appeal to you to cancel the contract with the Central Bank of Somaliland and return the $9.6 million intended to fund the printing. By doing so, De La Rue will publicly demonstrate responsible corporate citizenship, align with the principles of ethical business conduct and avoid the responsibility for harming the welfare of millions of people.
Yours sincerely,
Ismail Ahmed
Founder and Director, Sahamiye Foundation
In a heartwarming and inspiring ceremony held on Saturday evening 30th September at the Hamdaan Hotel in Hargeisa, a remarkable new chapter unfolded for the special needs community in Somaliland. The occasion marked the official opening of the Life Line Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for special needs children. The grand inauguration was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Ahdihakim Sead Bustaale, the Deputy Education & Science Minister, who officiated the event.
The evening commenced with a sense of anticipation and excitement as Deputy Minister Bustaale congratulated Mrs. Sami M Ali, the Founder and CEO of the Life Line Center, for her unwavering commitment to the cause. He praised Samia for her vision and determination in establishing a center equipped with cutting-edge facilities that will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of special needs children in the region. The Deputy Minister also pledged his continuous support for the center’s mission.
Samia M Ali, in her heartfelt address to the 150 guests present at the event and the 27,000 viewers worldwide who tuned in via social media, recounted her unexpected journey to Hargeisa. She shared how a family visit less than three months ago had serendipitously led to the realization of her dream—a dream she had initially intended to bring to fruition in Leicester but was now becoming a reality in Hargeisa. Samia expressed her gratitude to the Almighty for the courage and focus to pursue this project and credited her family for their unwavering support.
In her emotional speech, Samia acknowledged her son, whose 23rd birthday coincided with the center’s opening, as her inspiration and motivation. She praised her husband and family for their financial sacrifices, including personal savings and loans from friends, emphasizing that their sacrifices went beyond monetary contributions. The dedication of her family, even when it meant leading separate lives, was a testament to their commitment to this noble endeavor.
With tears of joy in her eyes, Samia prayed that the Life Line Center would make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the children it would serve. She expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone who had supported the project, in particular Abdirashid Duale, the CEO of Dahahshiil Group Companies, the young talented Samia M Roble and her team, and all those who made this project a reality; no amount of words can truly reflect the depth of appreciation I hold for your kindness and generosity; Allah Bless You All.
Other notable speakers at the event included Dr. Yakub, the Director of the Mental Health Department at the Ministry of Health, Mr. Jama A Hassan, the Director of the Planning Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, and Dr. Jama M Jamac, the Director and Founder of the Hargeisa Cultural Center. Each speaker echoed the sentiment that the Life Line Center was a much-needed addition to Hargeisa’s resources for special needs children, and they commended Samia for her dedication and vision.
The event was expertly chaired by Rooble Mohamed, a Communication Specialist, who shared with the audience recorded videos showcasing the Life Line Center’s facilities and services. These videos provided a glimpse into the high-quality care and support that the center would offer to special needs children in Hargeisa.
The opening of the Life Line Center represents a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate society in Somaliland. With its modern facilities and dedicated team, this center is poised to make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of special needs children and their families, offering hope, support, and a brighter future. Samia M Ali’s vision and dedication have truly created a beacon of hope for a more inclusive tomorrow.
Source: Hiiraan
Ministry of Education has announced the national examinations for primary and secondary schools. Somaliland national examination and certification board (SLNECB) also announced the top 10 schools in the country. The announcement was made in Sheikh town by the minister of education Hon. Ahmed Direye Toorno.
Somaliland National Examination and Certification Board (SLNECB) chairman Mr. Daud Ahmed Farah confirmed the number of candidates who sat for the primary examination. He stated that 20,950 students attempted the exams while 177 were absent.
He confirmed that 19,441 pupils passed the primary school examination whereas 1,332 candidates failed. Addressing journalists in Sheikh town the examination board chairman stated that 14,039 students sat for the secondary exams across the country. He reported that 108 candidates missed sitting for the High School examination and 357 students unfortunately failed to get the required grades for university.
The minister of education announced the names of top schools in the country. They are as follows:
The minister sent congratulatory messages to all students who sat for the examinations and urged them to continue with their quest of attainment of knowledge
Source: The Horn Tribune
