Clan Revenge Killings Prompt Troop Withdrawal from Al-Shabaab Frontlines

BELEDWENE, Somalia - The six Somali National Army (SNA) officers who died after an attack from the regional militia were buried on Sunday in Beledweyne, Hiiraan region, officials said, following consensus between community elders handling the tragedy.

The SNA members were killed in El-Baraf within the Middle Shabelle region in what is believed to be "clan revenge" leading to the mutiny of troops hailing from the tribe of the slain soldiers, who left the frontlines against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.

Before the funeral service, an agreement was reached by Hawadle and Abgal traditional elders despite lingering tensions over justice for the slain soldiers. The soldiers were all shot in the head by clan militia as they were on leave and traveling to the Hiiraan region for a family visit.

Last week, General Odowaa Yusuf Rage, SNA chief, pledged to pursue justice and accountability.

Already, the military court has issued arrest warrants to 14 suspects connected to the killings, while Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has ruled out resolving the case through clan negotiations.

The deaths of the six come at a time when the government of Somalia is battling against Al-Shabaab on multiple fronts.

GAROWE ONLINE