Somalia: Al-Shabaab Attack Claims Lives of Regional Lawmaker and Council Member
In a tragic incident on Monday, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion in central Somalia led to the death of a regional lawmaker and a city council member. The deceased individuals, identified as Mohamed Mohamud Ahmed (also known as Mohamed Yare) and Abdullahi Ibrahim Shaaciye, were visiting troops on the frontline in El-Garas town when the attack occurred. Two others who were accompanying them also lost their lives in the explosion. This act of violence has been claimed by Al-Shabaab militants, who were recently expelled from the town by the Somali National Army (SNA). The recapture of El-Garas is a significant development that enables the military to approach other towns currently under the control of the militant group in the Galgaduud region.
President Hassan Sheikh recently visited troops on the frontline, where he provided words of encouragement and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue the fight against Al-Shabaab. The battle for El-Garas involved the participation of local fighters, highlighting their crucial role in reclaiming strategic towns like El-Bur, located 40 kilometers away. El-Bur town is of immense importance in the ongoing war against the militant group.
Ahmed Abdi Kariye, also known as Qoor-Qoor and the President of Galmadug, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He acknowledged that the two lawmakers had sacrificed their lives in the operation to eliminate the Khawariij in El-Garas town.
The government of Somalia is preparing for the second phase of its anti-Al-Shabaab operations, with a focus on the Jubaland and Southwest states. President Hassan Sheikh believes that securing victory in the central regions is a prerequisite before extending the offensive to southern Somalia.
