Puntland officials deny U.S. claim after airstrike kills local elder

BADHAN, Somalia, Oct 11 (SaganPost):-

Puntland officials in Sanaag region have denied a U.S. claim that a man killed in a September airstrike was an al Shabaab arms dealer, saying he was a local elder with no known militant links.

Caaqil Omar Abdillahi Abdi was killed on Sept. 13 in Jicanyo near Badhan in the Sanaag region. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an air strike at a location near Badhan, it said the strike targeted an al Shabaab arms dealer but did not identify the individual. Local authorities said the timing and location of the strike matched Omar’s death.

Governor Said Ahmed Jama described Omar as “a well-known community figure” and said the regional administration was awaiting further information about the strike.

Brigadier Abdillahi Omar Anshuur, commander of the Puntland Dervish Forces’ 9th Division, Badhan Camp, said Omar was “a peacemaker” and denied any link between him and armed groups.

“This was an unexpected and shocking incident,” said Faisal Abdillahi, the regional intelligence chief. “The deceased was a prominent figure who worked closely with the community.” adding his speach.

Colonel Aden Ahmed Ali, the regional police commander, who was one of the first officials visited the site of strike and identified Omar’s remains an a lone traveler ,said local authorities sought clarification from Washington. “Omar was not on any wanted list, and we the whole community both leaders and civillians need justice and transparency,” he said.

Ali Abdullahi the brother of slain elder and community members of Peacemaker Omar erected a monument to honor his name. Ali also called Human Rights Activists and International Communities to hold responsible for those who behind the killing “Omar was well known traditional leader, a registered member of council of traditional members of Puntland and Somaliland, he worked for peace through out his life” Told the reporters in the opening ceremony of the monument.

”We call all the human rights advocates, international organizations and observers to intervene this horrific killing of an innocent person, we need justice and transparency till we find out“ Ali added.

The Federal Government of Somalia and Regional authority of Puntland publicly used to claim the credibility of US air strikes in these region, competing to the news headlines before even AFRICOM but they both refrained from this strike making the US AFRICOM the only body that admitted they conducted an air strike where Elder Omar killed.

AFRICOM has conducted air operations in Somalia for nearly two decades, primarily targeting al Shabaab and Islamic State fighters. Human rights groups have at times raised concerns about civilian casualties and the transparency of such operations.

Sahan Post News Desk