Major Breaking News 🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷🇪🇷
A U.S.-sanctioned oil tanker linked to Iran and sailing under the Eritrean flag 🇪🇷 was seized by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden on August 20, 2026, according to multiple maritime reports. Reuters detailed the incident, stating that “An oil tanker under U.S. sanctions for allegedly transporting Iranian petroleum products has become the latest victim of resurgent Somali piracy when it was boarded off the coast of Yemen and diverted toward Somalia.” The vessel, identified as the Eritrea-flagged Sibu 1 (also known as Seamull), was boarded by six armed individuals, as confirmed by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
The tanker had been designated by the U.S. Treasury in December 2025 for its role in Iran’s shadow fleet, which helps evade sanctions on petroleum products. Maritime security sources noted that it had previously transported Iranian oil products and called at Houthi-controlled ports in Yemen. Lloyd’s List and other trackers reported that the ship’s AIS system broadcast a distress message reading “PIRATE ONBOARD HELP” before it changed course toward Somalia, marking at least the 13th such attack in the region this year.
This seizure forms part of a broader surge in Somali piracy amid regional instability, following closely on the hijacking of another vessel days earlier. Indian officials reported that the Sibu 1 carried a crew of about 20, including 16 Indians who were initially said to be safe, while analysts observed that the targeting of an Iran-linked ship raised questions about any potential collaboration between pirates and other regional actors. UKMTO advised vessels to transit the area with caution as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
If Ethiopia is serious about a NATIONAL DIALOGUE, Somalia state must bring a bold, clear agenda to the table.
Somali proposals are simple:
1: Addis Ababa Capital of Ethiopia and Oromia region
2: Dire Dawa regional headquarters of Somali state in Ethiopia
3: Somali, Ahmaric, and Afaan Oromo official languages of Ethiopia
4: Special development programme for the Somali state
5: regional security force to protect Somali people
6: Harar should be jointaly administrator both Oromia region and Somali state in Ethiopia until further notice.
A stronger Ethiopia begins with a fairer Ethiopia.
Today marks the first time I'm opposing the leadership of the Oromia regional government, who happen to be my close friends. It's also the first time I find myself agreeing with the Amhara regional government on an issue: turning Addis Ababa into an ethnic city would be a huge mistake. I firmly believe that Addis Ababa should remain as it is now, serving as the federal capital and representing the pride of all nations and nationalities in Ethiopia.
It would be criminal if #Egypt uses its military vs Ethiopia, violating #Ethiopia#sovereignty and its right to develop the potential of the Blue #Nile Basin. Egypt erupts in fury over Ethiopia's plans for three more Nile dams | The National https://t.co/P3aEgTyGxZ
Happy Sunday. ❤️
A beautiful video call with my Mom and Dad—the hardest-working and most giving people I know. Even when they had very little, they always found something to share with others.
Nearly 55 years together, through countless ups and downs, raising seven children and now blessed with 16 grandchildren.
👉Their greatest legacy isn’t what they accumulated—it’s what they sacrificed, shared, and gave away.
Count your blessings. 🙏❤️
Exposed 🙈🙈🙈🙈
“Ola-Shane does not target innocent civilians,” says Asres Mare Damte, Communications Director of the Amhara FANO National Movement.
For the past three years, I have repeatedly stated that Ola-Shane and Amhara FANO have been collaborating to target innocent Amhara and Oromo civilians in Oromia region. In reality, both groups answer to Jaal Jeregna (Zelalem Tefera), who is from Gojam.
Because of what happened in Wollega, the following fabricated stories and propaganda were deliberately created to spread hatred against the Oromo people:
1Aisha Seyed: “Wallahi, I will never be Amhara again.”
2Oromos cut open the stomach of a pregnant Amhara woman and removed her unborn baby.
3Oromos slaughtered Amharas and drank their blood.
4Oromos slaughtered Amharas and ate their flesh.
5Oromos burned Amharas alive.
6Oromos did this and that…
So what has suddenly changed in the minds of FANO fighters and their supporters that they now claim “Ola does not target innocent civilians”?
ሌባ ብቻ ማለት እነዚህን ነው
@ONLFofficial They are so frightened and scared of Abiy that they are making solidarity with the same people that once they called backwards. I can’t wait till Abiy gives them a lesson to never be involved into Ethiopia’s matter!
Did You Know? Addis Ababa Achieved Full Budget Self-Sufficiency‼️
In 2025, Addis Ababa became the only city or region in Ethiopia (for budgeting purposes) to achieve complete self-sufficiency in funding.
For the 2025/26 fiscal year, the city made headlines by approving a 350 billion Birr budget financed entirely without federal transfers, marking full nominal self-sufficiency.
The 2026/27 Reversal: In the newly approved 502 billion Birr budget, the city administration shifted policy and returned to the federal subsidy pool, securing a minor allocation of 74.5 million Birr.