Somalia: Al-Shabaab mourns loss of prominent member in army raid

BAIDOA, Somalia - Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants have mourned one of the senior officers with was killed by the Somali National Army (SNA) during a recent operation in southern parts of the country, in what they termed as a "huge" setback to "our" mission.

The group confirmed the demise of the traditional elder who was killed by government forces in Garasweyne, Bakool region of Southwest state on May 7. The government of Somalia confirmed the death in a separate presser as reported by state media.

Abdullahi Mohamed Yare alias “Malaaq Qori” acted as the traditional elder of one of the local clans and has supported the group with recruitment, collection of zakat, and opening of madrasas, according to reports from the region.

On Thursday, state media published an interview with a government commander who said he led the operation that killed Malaaq Qori. His death was described as a 'major' win in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

Al-Shabaab shadow Governors for Bakool, Sheikh Osman Abu Abdirahman and Galgudud Abdullahi Abu Khalid, were among al-Shabaab Officials who eulogized Malaaq Qori, terming him a 'strong pillar to our mission'.

The al-Shabaab militants have suffered immense losses in recent weeks, following the activation of military campaigns across the country. For the last two years, at least 3,000 militants have been killed in the operations across the country.

According to the UN Security Council, Al-Shabaab collects close to $120 million annually from extortion, with unnamed foreign sources also contributing to the kitty. Of this amount, at least $24 million goes to the purchase of weapons.

Besides military operations against Al-Shabaab, the government is targeting those financing the group. Last year, close to 250 bank accounts associated with the group and 70 mobile money transfer firms were blocked, minimizing the group's sources of revenue.

To further scuttle Al-Shabaab, the government has also closed down social media sites and websites propagating the group's agenda. The group's influence has significantly nosedived in different parts of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE