Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
A U.S. airstrike in Somalia’s northern Sanaag region has sparked anger and grief after killing Abdullahi Omar Abdi, a respected clan elder widely known in his community as a peace mediator and development leader. The Pentagon, through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), confirmed on Wednesday that the September 13 strike near the town of Badhan targeted an Al-Shabab member described as being responsible for procuring and transporting illegal weapons. AFRICOM said the operation was carried out in coordination with Somalia’s federal government and security forces, emphasizing that such precision strikes are aimed at degrading Al-Shabab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces, the homeland, and citizens abroad.
While AFRICOM did not reveal the identity of the individual they claim to have targeted, local authorities and family members confirmed that the victim was Abdullahi Omar Abdi. Relatives strongly rejected U.S. claims that Abdi had links to Al-Shabab. They described him instead as a traditional leader who often mediated conflicts, worked on local development initiatives, and recently held talks with Puntland’s president in Bosaso. According to them, he was deliberately targeted while traveling alone, with no connection to weapons trafficking or the militant group.
News of Abdi’s death spread quickly across Sanaag and surrounding areas, fueling speculation and confusion. At first, some residents suspected that Puntland authorities or even the United Arab Emirates might have been behind the strike, until AFRICOM publicly acknowledged responsibility. Investigators from Puntland later confirmed that remains of Abdi were recovered about 25 kilometers outside Badhan. They suggested that U.S. intelligence may have been tracking individuals suspected of Al-Shabab ties in the region, but admitted that the full motive and details are still under investigation. Police commander Colonel Aden Ahmed Ali said inquiries are ongoing, urging locals to remain calm as authorities work to establish the truth.
Abdi’s death has sent shockwaves through Somali society. He is the first Somali elder publicly acknowledged to have been killed in a U.S. strike, a development that many see as a dangerous escalation. For generations, elders have played central roles in Somali communities, acting as mediators, peacekeepers, and representatives of local clans. The killing of such a figure by foreign military forces has raised deep concerns about the consequences for peace and stability.
The Northeastern regional administration in Las Anod, which itself is embroiled in political tensions and disputes over authority, condemned the airstrike in strong terms. In a statement, the administration said attacks that kill respected elders harm the very fabric of Somali society and undermine peace efforts. It also urged Somalia’s federal government to take stronger steps to safeguard the country’s airspace and prevent further incidents.
Traditional leaders from Sanaag and the neighboring Haylan region have also rallied in protest. They petitioned Puntland’s president to respond firmly, warning that the killing of respected community figures risks inflaming divisions at a time when Somalia already faces complex political and security challenges. They stressed that elders should be protected, not targeted, given their unique role in bridging differences and guiding local governance.
Abdi’s killing comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the north, particularly in the contested town of Las Anod, where the recently declared Northeastern administration has sparked disputes with Somaliland and Puntland. Abdi had been a vocal critic of the new administration, which some believe may have drawn attention to him. While there is no evidence connecting his political views to the strike, his outspoken role adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
For now, the incident has left communities in mourning and raised difficult questions about how counterterrorism operations are conducted in Somalia. While the U.S. insists its actions are necessary to weaken Al-Shabab, many Somalis fear that targeting traditional leaders risks alienating the very people who hold communities together. With investigations still underway, the controversy surrounding Abdi’s death is far from resolved, but what is clear is that the airstrike has left lasting scars in a region already struggling to maintain fragile peace.