Badhan, Sanaag 2025-10-10. (SahanPost) Relatives, friends, members of the Warsengeli clan, and local leaders gathered near the town of El Buh on Tuesday to unveil a statue commemorating a prominent traditional elder who was tragically killed in a U.S. drone strike on September 13 in the Sanaag region.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed it conducted a “precision airstrike” on that day, stating it targeted “an al-Shabab weapons dealer responsible for procuring and transferring illegal weapons.” The command did not identify the individual in its statement.
However, community leaders identified the deceased as Aqil Omar Abdullahi Ali, a respected elder widely known for mediating disputes. Tradional Council of Elders of Sanaag, Hayland and western Bari regions condemned the strike, calling it an attack on their traditions and dignity.
Attendees at the ceremony stated that the statue and a proposed water well will serve as a permanent reminder of the slain leader’s work in fostering peace and cohesion among the different communities in Sanaag, Puntland, Somaliland, and the wider Horn of Africa region.
”The targeted killing of Somali citizens without due process is completely unacceptable,” declared a local leader at the event. “The Federal Government has a sacred duty to protect the life of every citizen. The administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has failed in this responsibility.”
The local leaders during the event demanded an immediate, independent, and comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the airstrike, identify those responsible, and ensure they are held accountable.
“Justice must be served. This matter transcends the loss of a single individual; it strikes at the heart of our national honor, our sovereignty, and our future security,” he stated.
The local placed ultimate responsibility for the incident on the AFRICOM and Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), stating it has a fundamental duty to protect Somali airspace and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The federal government has not issued an official statement regarding the killing of the leader.
AFRICOM said that allegations of civilian harm are reviewed and published in quarterly reports but did not say if a review was underway for this strike.
Al-Shabab has since denied Omar Abdullahi was linked to the group.
SahanPost.
Africa correspondent.
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