The Somali National Army (SNA) has awarded a cash reward to two young farmers who fought and killed members of the Al-Shabaab militant group after the militants attempted to extort money from them in the Hiiraan region.
The two youths, identified as Salaad Mohamed Ali and Abdi Abdullahi Ali, were reportedly attacked by Al-Shabaab fighters while working on their farms. According to security officials, the militants demanded extortion payments, prompting the farmers to resist using their farming tools. During the confrontation, the two men killed the assailants and seized their weapons.
Speaking to state media, the Commander of the SNA’s 27th Division, Brig. Gen. Ali Ahmed Hashi Ali “Cageey,” said the militants had approached the two farmers near the Buqo area to demand money, but were instead repelled.
“The individuals we rewarded are two young men who managed to seize two AK-47 rifles from the enemy while defending themselves with farming tools. The incident occurred in an area under enemy control near Buqo. The militants came to extort money from them, but they fought back and defeated them,” Brig. Gen. Cageey said.
The incident took place in Dhoqor village in Hiiraan region, where the two farmers were later presented with a $2,000 cash reward by the army command. Officials said the reward was meant to encourage civilians who stand up against Al-Shabaab’s intimidation and criminal activities.
Somali authorities noted that similar incentives have previously been given to civilians who have resisted Al-Shabaab or supported security operations, with some later joining community defense efforts and the broader campaign to liberate areas from the militant group.
The government has repeatedly urged communities to cooperate with security forces, emphasizing that public resistance plays a crucial role in weakening Al-Shabaab’s influence in rural areas.
Mustaqbal
