Somalia: Slight 'confusion' leaves 10 soldiers dead

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Slight confusion in the ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle cost the lives of at least 10 Somali soldiers, an incident which could raise questions about the level of coordination among those on the battlefield in the Horn of Africa nation.

According to sources, two groups of Somali soldiers engaged in fierce fighting last night in the recently-liberated Masjid Ali Gadud in the Middle Shabelle region. Initial reports suggested troops in a a convoy heading to the frontline clashed with other SNA soldiers protecting the village on a road, mistook each other for militants, because it was dark at night.

The region has been experiencing high levels of military operations mainly targeting Al-Shabaab, who have been wreaking havoc in the country, killing thousands of innocent civilians, security officers, and senior government officials. The group has been controlling some regions for a while.

According to reports, a senior commander of the Somali National Army [SNA] died after the incident in Middle Shabelle, after his vehicle overturned in the middle of the confrontation, which has necessitated crisis meetings by the military, following the confusion.

Captain Mohamed Ahmed Abshir, commander of the second division of the Khalid Binu Walid Brigade of the Somali army, died after his vehicle overturned near Masjid Ali Gadud which the government retook this year from Al-Shabaab.

His death comes at the time the government is activating military operations in the region geared towards combing the area, following a successful outing a few months ago.

During the first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle, Captain Ahmed Abshir was one of the active participants and is credited for helping the military dislodge the militants from most parts of the region. Over 3,000 militants were killed in the process.

The national army redeployed a number of soldiers to the region with the aim of combing the area by restoring civilian administration in parts that were liberated from the Al-Shabaab militants. The army has also been playing an active role in clearing humanitarian aid access roads for vulnerable people.

According to the government, over 100 Al-Shabaab militants were recently killed between Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions following the recent operations, in which the slain soldier may have actively participated in.

Somalia has been confronting Al-Shabaab for the last 16 years and tremendous progress has been made particularly in central and southern regions. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has insisted that the priority of the army is to eliminate the group completely from all battle fronts.

GAROWE ONLINE