Saturday 28, Dec,2024 {HMC} Hirshabelle State has suspended the district commissioner of El Baraf following the ambush and killing of six Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers in what officials have described as a clan-related attack.
Minister of Interior Abdi Daahir Gure Karore announced the suspension of Yusuf Hassan Hurshow, citing failure to perform his duties. The soldiers were attacked on Friday while travelling through the outskirts of El Baraf en route to the Hiiraan region, an area plagued by recurring insecurity and clan tensions.
“The district commissioner failed in his responsibilities, which has cast doubt on his ability to lead. This is why he has been removed from his position,” Minister Karore said in a press briefing. He added that suspicions surrounding the commissioner’s role necessitated swift action to ensure accountability.
Authorities have identified the attack’s perpetrators and are intensifying efforts to apprehend them. “The individuals responsible for this heinous crime are known and are being actively pursued by federal and Hirshabelle security forces,” Karore confirmed. “Justice will be served, and I urge the affected families to remain calm as we address this tragedy.”
Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Gudlawe has also condemned the killings, calling for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators. “I am ordering the security forces to bring to justice anyone involved in this horrific incident,” the Hirshabelle Presidential Palace said in a statement. President Gudlawe urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.
The attack highlights long-standing tensions between the Hawadle and Abgaal clans in areas bordering the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. Federal lawmakers from Hiiraan have attributed the killings to Al-Shabaab operatives attempting to exploit inter-clan disputes. MP Abdimalik Abdala noted, “Those responsible recorded evidence and took pictures—they are known. Al-Shabaab aims to provoke inter-clan fighting, and they will be arrested.”
This is not the first time El Baraf has witnessed violence targeting Somali National Army personnel. In a similar incident 18 months ago, members of the elite Danab unit, originally from Hiiraan, were killed in an ambush in the area. Such attacks underscore the persistent challenges faced by Hirshabelle in addressing localized violence and ensuring the safety of security forces operating in the region.
The suspension of the district commissioner is part of efforts by Hirshabelle’s administration to reestablish trust and improve governance in volatile areas. However, the incident highlights the ongoing struggle to address the root causes of clan-based conflict and ensure the safety of personnel tasked with stabilizing the region.
Minister Karore confirmed that security forces are actively pursuing the attackers. “The individuals responsible for this heinous crime are known and are being tracked by federal and Hirshabelle security forces. Justice will be served,” he assured.
Source Hiiraan online
