The British Embassy in Mogadishu said King will lead the UK mission in Somalia, focusing on deepening the partnership between the United Kingdom and Somalia across critical sectors such as governance, development, security, and humanitarian assistance.

“It is an honour to serve as UK Ambassador to Somalia,” King said upon arrival. “I look forward to working closely with Somali partners to support peace, progress, and prosperity. Going far, together. Waad mahadsantihiin – aan horey u soconno wadajir.”

READ: Charles King appointed

King’s appointment was announced earlier this year by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

A seasoned diplomat, he brings extensive experience from postings in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Egypt, and Turkey. He joined the FCDO in 2004 and is fluent in Arabic, a valuable asset for diplomatic work in the region.

His arrival reaffirms the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia’s stability and development at a time of ongoing regional and domestic challenges.

The post Charles King Arrives in Mogadishu to Begin Role as UK Ambassador to Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

The counterterrorism operation, which began in December with backing from U.S. AFRICOM and the UAE through airstrikes, has resulted in the deaths of dozens of militants.

On Monday, Puntland counterterrorism forces took control of Sheebaab town, a significant ISIS stronghold that had served as the group’s headquarters.

The government announced the completion of the second phase of the operation, marking a major victory against the terror group.

However, top ISIS leaders, including Abdiqadir Mumin, remain at large after fleeing their stronghold.

Just a day before the victory in Sheebaab, outgoing British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis visited Bosaso, Puntland’s strategic port city and the base of the counterterrorism operation.

“It was very good seeing Puntland President @HESaidADeni in Bosaso today. The UK will be supporting #OpHilac against Daesh with medical supplies, among other things,” Nithavrianakis posted on X.

The ambassador, whose assignment ends in May, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to standing with Puntland in its fight against terrorism.

The Puntland president’s office confirmed the meeting, attended by government officials, focused on the ongoing counterterrorism operations. The UK praised Puntland’s efforts and also discussed strengthening UK-Puntland cooperation, ongoing development projects, and the broader security situation in Somalia.

During Monday’s operation, Puntland forces uncovered an underground hideout where ISIS leader Abdiqadir Mumin had been residing.

The hideout, hidden beneath a tomato farm to evade airstrikes, contained a tunnel several meters deep, an oxygen tube, and solar-powered lighting. Despite the discovery, Mumin was not captured.

Meanwhile, Puntland’s Police Chief, General Mumin Abdi, has urged civilians to remain vigilant, warning that fleeing ISIS fighters may try to hide among the local population.

“We want all Puntlanders to be vigilant as the ISIS terrorists fleeing from Cal Miskaad are trying to hide within the civilian population and might cause harm,” General Mumin Abdi said.

With ISIS leadership on the run, Puntland security forces continue their pursuit of the remaining militants.

#VIDEO: ISIS-SOMALIA LEADER’S UNDERGROUND HOUSE EXPOSED

Puntland counter-terror forces uncovered an underground house where top ISIS emir Abdiqadir Mumin had been living.

The house had a tomato farm on top as a cover from airstrikes, with a tunnel several meters deep. It was… pic.twitter.com/iREtbtsT6y

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 24, 2025

The post UK Pledges Support as Puntland Forces Root Out ISIS appeared first on Kaab TV.

Mike Nithavrianakis became the British Ambassador to Somalia last month taking over from his predecessor Kate Foster.

‘‘I am greatly honoured to have been appointed the UK’s Ambassador to Somalia. It was an incredibly proud moment to present my diplomatic credentials to His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,” the new ambassador Nithavrianakis said.

“Somalia is blessed with hugely enterprising people and a rich culture, and together I am confident our countries will strengthen our relations and overcome the challenges we face,” he adds.

UK mission in Somalia 

The British Embassy in Somalia was re-established in 2012 to support Somalia in becoming a more stable, secure and prosperous state.

Currently, Somalia is facing a severe humanitarian situation where 6.6 million people remain in severe food insecurity, with approximately 477,000 children at risk of being severely malnourished.

The UK is a significant donor to the crisis, having committed over £61 million in the
last financial year (22/23) for humanitarian, health and nutrition support.

“The UK’s support for, and commitment to, Somalia is stronger than ever, and I am thrilled to be getting started,” he added.

Nithavrianakis emphasised the UK’s enduring commitment to Somalia, including
supporting the fight against terrorist group al-Shabaab.

For his part, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his gratitude
for the UK’s support to Somalia on multiple fronts stating that UK’s long-
standing ties with Somalia.

‘It is a great pleasure to have you here. We are grateful for UK support in the
humanitarian, development and, above all, security sectors. The UK is a long-
standing friend of Somalia,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said.

Nithavrianakis brings a wealth of experience and knowledge into the new role. He
first joined the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 1984.

He has had many roles and postings since then, including Deputy High Commissioner and Director Trade; Investment, Pakistan, Acting Deputy Head of Mission in Afghanistan, and most recently Consul General Milan; Director Trade; Investment in Italy.

The post New UK ambassador presents credentials to Somalia president appeared first on Kaab TV.