Daliy Somali | May 15, 2025
A senior officer in the Somali National Army (SNA), Lieutenant Colonel Abdirahman Salaad Mohamed—widely known as “Xujaale” was killed on Wednesday afternoon near the contested zone between Aadan Yabaal and Moqokori in central Somalia, an area currently witnessing fierce battles between government forces and Al-Shabaab militants.
Lt. Col. Abdirahman was the commander of the 26th Battalion under the Khalid Bin Waleed unit, part of the elite forces within the SNA’s 27th Division.
His unit has been at the forefront of operations aimed at clearing militant strongholds in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
According to preliminary accounts, the commander was shot and killed by one of his own soldiers during an active frontline engagement.
The motive remains under investigation, and authorities have confirmed that the soldier responsible has been detained and flown to Mogadishu for questioning.
The militant group Al-Shabaab quickly claimed responsibility, stating that the commander had long been on their target list.
However, sources within the security sector suggest the killing may not be directly linked to insurgent action, raising concerns about internal discipline and cohesion within some frontline units.
Lt. Col. Abdirahman was regarded as a committed officer with years of service in counter-insurgency efforts.
His death comes at a critical juncture, as Somali forces push to stabilize newly liberated areas under the broader national campaign to defeat Al-Shabaab and restore state authority.
The Somali government has yet to release an official statement, but military officials have described the incident as a major loss in the fight against terrorism in the central regions.
