Al-Shabaab operatives murdered a former police commander in Mogadishu’s Abdiaziz district, perceived as one of the most secure neighbourhoods in the capital. The deceased, Mohammed Mohamud Yalahow, was a former commander of the Somali Police Force in Karan and Howle Wadag districts. The murder occurred in front of his house last night.
Abdiaziz district, Mogadishu, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
The terrorist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the cowardly murder. “The Mujahideen forces carried out a special operation in Abdiaziz district of Mogadishu, killing Colonel Mohammed Mohamud Yalahow, an officer of the Somali apostate [al-Shabaab’s derogatory term for the Somali Security Forces and politicians] group,” said al-Shabaab’s affiliated media.
The incident shocked the locals, as the Abdiaziz district was considered safe from al-Shabaab’s malicious activities. Unfortunately, the commander’s murder demonstrated the Islamist group’s current ability to carry out assassinations almost anywhere in Somalia’s capital.
Series of assassinations in the Somali capital
Only three days ago, on 19 September, another chilling act of violence occurred in Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab militants killed Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud ‘Duqow’, a former deputy district commissioner responsible for social affairs of the Bal’ad (Balcad) district. The attack occurred in the Kahda neighbourhood, and the extremist group claimed responsibility. Compared to Abdiaziz district, Kahda has been a hotbed of militant activity, making it a particularly dangerous environment for government officials and civilians alike.
On 19 July, the armed men murdered Fiqi Abdi Mayow, a former deputy commissioner of Awdheegle. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for this murder as well. The heinous crime occurred near El Gab, in the vicinity of Villa Somalia. The President and other high-level officials often pass through this area when travelling to the Aden Adde International Airport.
Daily violence in Somalia’s capital
The assassinations are yet another example of al-Shabaab’s ongoing ability to carry out targeted killings within Somalia’s capital, despite the Somali government’s assurances about the safety of Mogadishu.
The security in Mogadishu has been steadily worsening, with al-Shabaab’s attacks taking place almost daily. The surge in violence alone is highly worrying, but how the Somali government communicates it is perhaps even more alarming. The Somali Digest reported earlier how the government was misleading the public when it claimed that the security in the capital had improved.
