Somali Minister Alleges Government Officials Leaking Intelligence to Al-Shabaa
Mogadishu — Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, has made startling allegations that some high-ranking government officials have been sharing sensitive military intelligence with the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. His remarks follow the recent killing of a senior military officer, Abukar Abdulle Raage Gar-Maqaate, near Boos-Hareeri in the Middle Shabelle region.
According to Omar, the state has launched an investigation into the suspected officials, with possible actions including stripping them of their ranks and removing them from the military register. “There is a clear betrayal within our ranks, and we are working to identify and remove those responsible,” he stated.
Fatal Ambush in Middle Shabelle
The accusations come in the wake of a deadly ambush on Somali National Army (SNA) troops near Boos-Hareeri on Friday. The attack claimed the life of Major Gar-Maqaate and several of his troops. Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants not only ambushed the convoy but also seized military vehicles and weapons, dealing a significant blow to government forces.
In response, Somali Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur confirmed that the Ethiopian Navy, in partnership with the Somali government, launched an air offensive on Al-Shabaab hideouts in the Shabelle region on the same day. “This operation was conducted under the direct supervision of the Somali government, with precision missile strikes targeting key Al-Shabaab locations. We are committed to dismantling this terror network and ensuring peace,” said the Defence Minister.
Government Vows Retaliation
President of the Hirshabelle region, Ali Gudlawe, also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased troops and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting Al-Shabaab. “We will not be deterred by acts of cowardice. Our struggle against terror continues with renewed determination,” he declared.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has waged an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade. The group has carried out numerous attacks, including one of its deadliest in 2023, where 170 soldiers lost their lives at the Cowswayne Military Base.
The allegations of internal leaks to Al-Shabaab raise concerns over security lapses within the Somali government. If proven, these claims could shake public confidence in the government’s ability to combat terrorism effectively. Meanwhile, Somalia’s leadership continues its counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for internal collusion with militants.
As the investigation unfolds, the Somali people await concrete action against those accused of aiding Al-Shabaab, with hopes that justice will be served and national security will be reinforced.
Stay updated with Nairobian for more on this developing story.
In other news:Egypt’s Delicate Balancing Act Amid Trump’s Gaza Proposal
Somali Minister Alleges Government Officials Leaking Intelligence to Al-Shabaab