Somali Magazine – Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, a federal politician and the Somali President’s Special Envoy for Drought Relief, stated that the rate at which al Shabaab has killed senior SNA commanders in ambush strikes has become frightening.
Abdishakur made his remarks in a statement following the death of Major Hassan Osman Tuure, the Deputy Commander of the 16th Danab Brigade.
The commander was slain in an al Shabab raid on Friday in the Gal’ad district of the Galgadud area.
The ambassador praised the late leader as a hero in the struggle against al Shabab, but expressed concern about the rate at which senior officers are being eliminated by the terrorist insurgents.
Several SNA officers in charge of liberation operations were ambushed, according to Abdishakur, who added that military strategists were not learning from previous al Shabaab strikes.
He added it was a terrible that veteran officers were being “hunted,” referring to Colonel Abshir Mohamud (Shataqey), who was murdered in the recent Hawadley incident.
“We should replace photos on social media with images of our true war heroes who have given their lives, brains, bodies, and time to fight terrorists. We must honor our soldiers with bravery medals and never forget the significance of their sacrifice “The ambassador said.
In separate strikes in Mogadishu, Halgan, Hilowle-Gaab, Hawadley, and Gal’ad, at least five major commanders leading the continuing anti-al Shabab offensive to liberate Galmudug and Hirshabelle were murdered in two weeks.
Colonel Abdishir Mohamud Mohamed Shataqeyn, who was killed in Hawadley in the Hiiraan region; Omar Yarisow, who was killed in the Lower Shabelle region; Jamal Ahmed Jama, who was killed in Hiiraan’s Halgan district; and Deputy Commander of the 16th Danab Brigade Major Hassan Osman Tuure, who was killed on Friday in Gal’ad.
All of the top leaders were slain in ambush strikes by al Shabab during the government-led offensive in the south and central provinces.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed condolences to the Somali National Army and their families following the deaths of officers and soldiers in an al Shabab attack on a military base in central Somalia on Friday.
President Mohamud praised the late deputy commander Hassan Tuure as a hero who died in the liberation of his homeland.
“Commander Hassan Ture was martyred during an operation to liberate his homeland, and he will be remembered warmly by history. Somalia will remember him for his crucial role in the eradication of the Khawarij. He was a symbol of Somalia’s liberation from the Khawarij, and his leadership role will be filled by other Somali National Army heroes willing to give their lives in defense of their homeland “The President stated.
