Somalia, El Salvador, Israel-Palestine.
Today's three stories you should know.
Somalia
US President Joe Biden has signed an order to send hundreds of special forces troops to Somalia, reversing a decision to pull them out made by his predecessor Donald Trump. About 450 soldiers will be deployed to help the Somali government with its grinding battle against the al-Shabab armed group, the New York Times reported. It added that Biden had also authorized the targeting for execution of top Shabab leaders. Al-Shabab is fighting to overthrow the government and introduce a radical interpretation of Islamic law. It has had several battlefield successes in recent months.
More from the New York Times here.
El Salvador
A staggering 30,506 people have been arrested in El Salvador since a state of emergency was declared over gang violence six weeks ago, according to the police. President Nayib Bukele has made a lot of noise about cracking down on drugs gangs who control entire neighborhoods of the capital San Salvador. But local and international rights groups have accused him of taking things too far. “Over the last 30 days, President Bukele’s government has trampled all over the rights of the Salvadoran people,” Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said after the first month of the emergency powers being used.
More from Al Jazeera here.
Israel-Palestine
Jerusalem’s top Catholic leader has slammed Israeli forces for attacking and beating pallbearers and mourners at the funeral of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, and for storming a hospital where her body was resting beforehand. “Israel’s police invasion and disproportionate use of force, attacking mourners, striking them with batons, using smoke grenades, shooting rubber bullets, frightening the hospital’s patients, is a severe violation of international norms and regulations,” Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa told reporters. Abu Akleh was a Palestinian Christian.
More from The New Arab here.