Badhan, Sanaag — A respected traditional elder, Omar Abdillaahi Abdi, was killed in an unidentified airstrike on Saturday afternoon in Badhan district of the Sanaag region.
According to witnesses, Omar was traveling in his private vehicle from Ceel-buh district, accompanied by an unidentified man who had been staying with him for three nights. Both men were killed instantly when the vehicle was struck. The intended target of the attack remains unknown.
Independent reports suggest the man accompanying the elder had been staying at a hotel in Ceel-buh for four nights before joining him. Sources confirmed that the vehicle hit in the strike belonged to Elder Omar, a prominent community figure known for his role in conflict resolution and public affairs.
Authorities have not yet commented on the incident, and it remains unclear who carried out the strike or who was the intended target.
What’s Next
The airstrike has raised fresh concerns in the Sanaag region, an area that has witnessed security tensions in recent months. Community leaders fear the killing of Elder Omar could deepen local grievances and destabilize ongoing reconciliation efforts.
Observers say the lack of official comment leaves questions about whether this strike was part of a broader counterterrorism operation or a mistaken attack. Regional analysts warn that further escalation could inflame clan tensions and complicate security in northern Somalia.
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