On June 7, gunmen abducted and killed Sa’id Guure Ali Baar, a taxi driver, and his passenger Anab Burhan Mohamed in a brazen daylight attack.

Both were shot at point-blank range, and the perpetrators fled the scene.

Local authorities believe the double murder is part of a retaliatory cycle stemming from earlier inter-clan violence, indicating a resurgence of revenge killings that had long plagued the region.

Anab, a young woman and victim of the attack, was the daughter of Burhan Mohamed Abdi, a well-known journalist and former director of Radio Galkayo.

Her burial took place the following day, with an outpouring of condolences from the public to the grieving family.

In response to the killings, the Galkayo Youth Movement — a civic group recently active in addressing social issues — released a statement on June 10 urging government officials, elders, and the wider public to confront the growing threat of clan-based violence.

“Clan-based divisions are an issue that needs to be addressed collectively, honestly, and with the investment of time, resources, and intellect,” the group said, expressing concern over the increasing recurrence of such attacks.

The youth called on the Puntland authorities, who administer northern Galkayo, to enhance police operations and increase security patrols in vulnerable areas.

Galkayo has historically been a hotspot for clan conflict, but the city has enjoyed over a decade of relative stability following reconciliation efforts. The city is divided between two federal member states: Galmudug governs the southern part, while Puntland controls the north.

Recent skirmishes between members of the Leelkase and Habargidir clans in western Galkayo have sparked fears of renewed instability across the city.

Puntland’s Mudug regional governor, Faisal Sheikh Ali, confirmed that the authorities are actively addressing the escalating situation. Last week, he hosted a meeting focused on curbing clan revenge killings.

The meeting — organized by local youth — brought together religious leaders, businesspeople, and members of the local council to discuss coordinated efforts to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.

The post Clan Revenge Killings Resurface in Galkayo, Locals Demand Action appeared first on Kaab TV.

A security officer at Villa Somalia told Kaab TV that palace guards opened fire with small arms and anti-aircraft weapons in an attempt to neutralize the drones.

While there are reports that two drones were shot down, Kaab TV could not independently verify this claim.

On Friday night, security officials at the presidential palace reported that the drones flew dangerously close to Villa Somalia, which houses President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Aden Madobe.

The incident caused alarm among senior government officials.

Residents near the palace told Kaab TV that heavy gunfire lasted for more than two hours as guards attempted to shoot down the drones.

#BREAKING: Suspected drone approaches Somalia presidential palace in #Mogadishu resulting guards to fire indiscriminate into the air.

Confusion rocks the presidency. It is not clear where the drone came from, however security sources suspect the nature of the drone and its… pic.twitter.com/k9tRR4dMdG

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) January 31, 2025

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, and security officials are still investigating the drones’ origins.

Al-Shabaab’s Drone Ambitions

Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group, has long sought to acquire combat drones and missiles.

Intelligence sources and defectors have previously revealed that the group attempted to develop electric-powered aircraft, though these efforts were reportedly disrupted by Somali and African Union military operations.

Despite setbacks, al-Shabaab continues its pursuit of aerial weaponry.

In June 2024, U.S. intelligence uncovered discussions between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and al-Shabaab regarding the supply of weapons, according to CNN.

In response, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh’s security adviser, Hussein Sheikh Ali, met with Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials in Baghdad, urging Iran to pressure the Houthis to halt weapons sales to al-Shabaab.

It remains unclear whether these diplomatic efforts were successful.

The drone incident in Mogadishu has raised concerns not only for Villa Somalia but also for other critical locations, including Aden Adde International Airport and the adjacent Halane area, which hosts foreign embassies and UN offices.

Al-Shabaab has previously targeted these locations with deadly suicide bombings and mortar attacks.

In northeastern Somalia, Puntland security forces last month reported shooting down more than a dozen drones deployed by Islamic State (ISIS) militants engaged in clashes with regional forces in the mountainous Bari region.

Kaab TV reporters who examined the downed drones identified them as Chinese and Iranian models, which had been reconfigured and fitted with improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Puntland security officials told Kaab TV that it remains unclear how ISIS militants acquired these drones.

The post Drone Incident Over Somalia’s Presidential Palace Raises Security Concerns appeared first on Kaab TV.

Students like Binti Abshir fondly recall his dedication and intellect as ‘tireless instructor’.

But in 2020, Ismail chose a different path, joining Danab, Somalia’s elite U.S.-trained military force.

With intense and rigorous training, 27-year-old Ismail took part in numerous high-risk operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan regions.

One particularly daring raid in September 2022 saw Danab commandos eliminate 11 Al-Shabaab militants during an overnight operation in Buq Aqable, Hiiraan Province.

Despite the ever-present dangers, Ismail remained steadfast. However, tragedy struck in January 2023 during a dawn raid in Gal’ad District, central Somalia, when Major Hassan Mohamed Osman (Hassan Tuure), Danab’s deputy commander and Ismail’s close ally, was killed.

The two had worked side by side on critical operations, often coordinating efforts with U.S. advisors on the ground.

Ismail himself narrowly escaped death during a 2022 operation in Lower Shabelle when militants detonated an IED, leaving him critically injured. Yet, his resilience never wavered.

In February 2024, Ismail and his comrades secured Jowhar airport, a region heavily influenced by Al-Shabaab, after the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal government signed a $100 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to construct five military bases for Danab, before it was put on hold.

These bases were meant to recruit, train, and equip 3,000 soldiers from across Somalia, building a sustainable light infantry capability within the Somali National Army (SNA).

However, by September 2024, Ismail’s service had taken a toll.

Months of unpaid wages, inadequate food, lack of healthcare, and the denial of his promotion due to corruption and nepotism left him disillusioned.

“It was time to quit,” said a family member, noting Ismail’s frustration with a military he had once served with pride.

Food rations suspended 

In April 2024, the United States suspended food rations for Danab following a corruption scandal. An investigation revealed that food and fuel meant for Danab had been resold on the black market.

Companies linked to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s family were implicated in these contracts.

This scandal left soldiers like Ismail struggling to survive.

“Even after leaving the army, Ismail feared staying in Mogadishu,” a family member shared. “Militants could hunt him down, and government officials unhappy with his decision might target him.”

Corruption within Somalia’s military remains a significant obstacle, undermining professionalism and morale.

Soldiers frequently report that promotions are determined by clan affiliations or political connections rather than merit.

Additionally, the inclusion of recruits without thorough background checks has further compromised the military’s integrity.

Hoping to reach Europe 

With no viable options, Ismail sold his pistol—his last valuable possession—and used the funds, along with help from friends, to flee Somalia.

In late September 2024, he embarked on a dangerous journey facilitated by merciless human traffickers through Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Libyan desert, hoping to reach Europe.

However, the journey turned tragic. While trekking through the Libyan desert in December, Ismail’s group was ambushed by robbers who stole their food and water. His previous injuries worsened, and he contracted severe diarrhea.

Left behind by his group, Ismail succumbed to illness and dehydration in December 20.

Friends and colleagues expressed their grief on social media.

“Ismail was an officer oppressed by his own country. May God give him his reward in Jannah,” wrote Nur Mohamud.

Mohamud Abdi stated: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. A young man with pride has his life cut short. O Allah, forgive him and have mercy on him, honor his abode, and expand his entrance.”

The Somali defence ministry declined to comment on Ismail’s case.

Corruption, nepotism, and the absence of accountability continue to undermine Somalia’s security and erode trust, even within elite units like Danab.

Unless the lack of accountability at the highest levels of leadership is addressed, the sacrifices of soldiers like Ismail Moalim Buule will go unrecognized, and the cycle of inefficiency and neglect will persist, further jeopardizing the country’s stability.

The post Ismail Buule: The Tragic End of a U.S.-Trained Somali Soldier’s Life in the Libyan Desert appeared first on Kaab TV.

The U.S Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Timothy P. Trenkle, voiced his grievances in a complaint letter dated May 24, 2023, demanding that those involved be disciplined and appropriate action be taken against them.

The letter was addressed to the Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs. Similarly, a complaint was lodged at the Somali embassy in Washington D.C.

The incident occurred during a farewell event for the outgoing U.S Ambassador held in Mogadishu on May 17. Both Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Laftagareen were present when their personal security attempted to force their way into the Diplomatic Freight Service camp located in Mogadishu’s heavily fortified zone of Halane.

According to Mr. Trenkle’s letter, Somali security personnel pulled firearms and physically assaulted three members of the U.S security team, placing American diplomats at risk. The letter emphasized that U.S diplomatic staff were present at the gate during the incident, and their safety was jeopardized. It highlighted the potential physical and psychological harm they faced.

“U.S diplomatic staff were at the gate at the time of the incident, helping to facilitate guest access. This confrontation put them at risk of physical and psychological harm,” the Chargé d’Affaires, Timothy P. Trenkle wrote.

The Somali authorities have not yet officially responded to the incident or the complaint filed by the U.S Embassy.

Mr. Trenkle reminded the Somali federal government of its responsibility under Article 29 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The article requires the receiving state to treat diplomatic delegations with respect and take necessary measures to prevent any attacks on diplomatic personnel, safeguarding their freedom and dignity.

Historically, clan militia groups have played a significant role in Somalia’s conflict landscape, especially since the onset of the ongoing civil war three decades ago. Somali government officials often rely on their clan militia members, who may lack proper training and, some have criminal records, as their security personnel. This dynamic has frequently led to confrontations, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

Failure to address the May 17 incident, similar incidents in the future could lead to loss of life and compromise the security of foreign diplomats in the country.

1 of 2

The post U.S Embassy in Mogadishu raises concerns over physical assault, threats on its diplomats appeared first on Kaab TV.