Traditional Elder Killed in Airstrike in Sanaag

By: Liban

Baran, Sanaag – A prominent Somali elder, Nabadoon Omar Abdillahi Abdi, was killed on Saturday in an airstrike near El-buh in the Sanaag region, according to local residents.

Eyewitnesses reported that the elder’s vehicle was struck as he was leaving El-buh. Another unidentified man, who had reportedly been staying in the area for three nights, was also killed in the strike.

The identity of the aircraft remains unclear. However, several sources in the region suspect the planes belonged to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has in recent years been accused of carrying out military operations in northern Somalia.

The strike has sparked confusion and fear among locals, as it is not yet known who the intended target was. “We only know that Nabadoon Omar and the man with him died instantly. No one can explain why,” one resident told local media.

Sanaag, straddling the contested territories between Puntland and Somaliland, has in recent years witnessed tensions, foreign military presence, and occasional drone strikes.

Traditional elders such as Nabadoon Omar play a critical role in mediation, community leadership, and conflict resolution, making his death a significant blow to local governance structures.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, and no group or government has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Comments

At Risk for Doing Good: The Story of Abdishakour Gulled in Conflict-Affected Somalia

By: Daud I In regions destabilized by terrorism and entrenched clan rivalries, humanitarian work is fraught with serious risks. Aid workers, healthcare providers, and even business professionals often operate under constant threat. Deep-rooted social and political tensions not only hinder humanitarian access but also endanger the very individuals committed to creating positive change. GAROWE, Somalia — Abdishakour Gulled, a respected humanitarian worker and public health advocate affiliated with a major international NGO, has gone into hiding after surviving two assassination attempts linked to escalating clan-based violence in Puntland. Gulled, well-known throughout the region for his dedication to improving public health outcomes, has become a target solely due to his clan affiliation — a grim reflection of Somalia’s ongoing struggle with entrenched clan rivalries that frequently result in collective punishment and cyclical violence. According to local sources, two busin...

GAROWE, Somalia — Recurrent clan retaliation has led to the killing and targeting of innocent civilians.

By: Daud 18 May 2025 A fresh wave of clan-related violence has gripped Garowe, the capital of Somalia’s Nugaal region, leaving three people dead and intensifying concerns over the city’s deteriorating security. At approximately 2:00 AM on Sunday, two young men — including a hotel security guard were shot and killed in what local sources describe as a targeted act of clan retaliation. Both victims were reportedly members of Garowe’s growing professional community, the preparatory escaped from the scene. Later the same day, at around 8:00 PM, unknown assailants attacked the home of a local humanitarian worker in Israac village. Although the aid worker escaped unharmed, a relative present at the scene was fatally shot during the assault. Authorities have not officially linked the two incidents, but residents fear both may be rooted in ongoing inter-clan tensions. Security agencies have yet to release a formal statement. However, local officials confirm that investigations ar...

Health workers killed for clan revenge in Galkayo

By: Daud Doctors Killed in Galkayo in September 2023 & September 2025 Overview Galkayo, a city in the Mudug region of Somalia divided administratively between Puntland (north) and Galmudug (south), has seen recurring violence tied to inter-clan (tribal) conflict. Among the more troubling incidents are the targeted killings of health workers—specifically, two medical doctors—in September 2023 and September 2025. These incidents have raised serious concerns about security, justice, and the ability of health systems in conflict-affected zones to function safely. Incident 1: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama — September 2023 Date & Place: Around 10 September 2023, in Galkayo town (northern side) in a health centre. allAfrica.com +4 hiiraan.com +4 sooha.org +4 Victim: Dr. Sakariye Abdi Jama, a young and prominent doctor. Circumstances: An armed man wearing a security uniform, along with two unarmed individuals, entered the health centre. The attacker ope...

Search This Blog