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SNA soldier killed in suspected al-Shabaab attack in Beledweyne


Thursday January 30, 2025


Mohamed Hassan Barow, a Somali National Army soldier, was fatally shot Wednesday night in Beledweyne

Beledweyne (HOL) — A Somali National Army soldier was shot and killed Wednesday night in Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiiraan region, in what is suspected to be an attack by the Al-Shabaab militant group.

The soldier, identified as Mohamed Hassan Barow, was ambushed in the Kooshin neighbourhood near Nuur Hawaad Street while returning home. The assailants fled the scene after taking his weapon, according to witnesses who spoke to Hiiraan Online.

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Barow, a respected young man in the community, had served with the Somali National Army in Beledweyne. His death has sparked concern among residents who had enjoyed relative peace in recent months, with no major incidents targeting security personnel or community leaders. Security officials said investigations into Barow’s death are ongoing, but no arrests have been made.

Authorities have not released details but suspect Al-Shabaab militants may be responsible. The extremist group has a history of targeting government personnel and key figures in its ongoing campaign to destabilize the Somali government.

Local officials have vowed to track down the perpetrators, while residents are calling for heightened security measures to prevent similar attacks.

The Somali government recently intensified its military operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions, with Hiiraan emerging as a major front. Beledweyne, located near the Ethiopian border, has been a key site for government-led offensives aimed at clearing the region of militants.

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