In a devastating blow to Somalia’s military efforts, a senior Somali Army commander, Mohamed Nur, also known as Jareere, was killed in a bomb attack early Thursday morning. The attack occurred near the No. 50 area in the Lower Shabelle region, an area already known for violent clashes between government forces and the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Al-Shabaab, the extremist organization based in Somalia, quickly claimed responsibility for the deadly attack. The group reported that it had also killed Jareere in an ambush on a convoy of reinforcements traveling near the No. 50 road. The assault also led to the deaths of several of his bodyguards, further intensifying the tragedy for the Somali military.
In a further escalation of violence, Al-Shabaab militants also claimed to have seized control of Sabiid village, located on the outskirts of Afgoye town, which lies just 30 kilometers southwest of the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The militant group’s operation in the region appears to be part of a broader strategy to expand their control over areas of Lower Shabelle, a key region in southern Somalia.
Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab launched a significant raid this morning in the Sabiid and Anoole areas of Lower Shabelle, roughly 70 kilometers from Mogadishu. During this raid, they killed Mohamed Nur Jareere, who was the commander of the October 14 Brigade, a unit within the Somali National Army. Jareere had previously gained recognition for his leadership in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab forces have reportedly surrounded the town of Jowhar, located around 90 kilometers from Mogadishu, increasing fears of a potential siege. The capture of these towns by Al-Shabaab marks a significant strategic gain for the militant group, which continues to challenge the authority of the Somali government in the region.
The Somali government has yet to release an official response to these latest developments, but the loss of such a high-ranking officer is expected to have a serious impact on military operations against the group. As Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat to Somalia’s security, the international community continues to monitor the situation, with calls for increased support to Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.
