Somalia: U.S. Airstrikes

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Somalia

U.S. Airstrikes
A series of four airstrikes in Somalia killed 62 Al-Shabab militants over the weekend. These are the deadliest airstrikes in the country since November of 2017. The airstrikes aimed to take out remote sites south of Mogadishu from which the militant group is able to conduct strikes and attacks. Since Donald Trump took office, he has authorized an increase in precision strikes against the Al-Shabab militant to back the Somali government.

This map depicts areas of government or militant group control throughout Somalia. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: Al Jazeera, Time, CNN, Fox News, The Hill, Washington Times
Graphic Source: BBC

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United Arab Emirates
Taliban Talks
US and Taliban leaders will meet in United Arab Emirates (UAE) today to discuss a potential end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan that began when the Taliban were removed from power in 2001. Also present at the meeting will be leaders from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and UAE. Afghan officials will not be present at the meeting but some say their presence in UAE is an important step forward. Taliban officials have refused to meet with Afghan leaders and will only have direct talks with United States officials.

This map depicts areas of Taliban control throughout Afghanistan. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: Washington Post, Al Jazeera (2), VOA News, The Hill, Arab News,

Graphic Source: Al Jazeera
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Japan
Sapporo Explosion
A restaurant in the Toyohira district of Sapporo, Japan was the site of a massive explosion which left at least 42 people injured, including children. The fire started at about 8:30 pm local time and was fully extinguished by 2 am Monday morning. The cause of the explosion is not yet clear. The local fire department said the explosion damaged about 28 buildings in the surrounding area.

This map depicts the location of Sapporo on Japan’s Hokkaido island. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: BBC, CBS News, Japan Times, New York Times, ABC News

Graphic Source: The Guardian

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Q: What river runs through Baghdad and, translated from Persian, means “the fast one”?

A: The Tigris River
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Source

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Somalia: U.S. Airstrikes