Somalia: Deputy Security Chief of Beled-Hawo Killed in Gedo after targeted landmine explosion

Reports from the Gedo region indicate that a bomb attack has claimed the life of Abdifatah Nur Matan, the Deputy Chief for Security and Political Affairs of Beled-Hawo District.

Reliable sources confirm that Mataan and his accompanying soldiers were targeted yesterday by a landmine explosion within the district.

The deputy chief reportedly succumbed to his injuries later that evening after targeted in a landmine explosion.

Efforts to transport him to Mogadishu were reportedly delayed by flight constraints, though a private plane was eventually dispatched. Sadly, he passed away upon arrival in Mogadishu.

Additional casualties were reported among the soldiers accompanying Mataan, with deaths and injuries confirmed according to reports.

The Gedo region remains a hotspot for political and military activity, creating opportunities for Al-Shabaab militants, who continue to maintain a significant presence in the area.

The group has previously carried out similar targeted attacks on officials and security personnel. In a separate development, a young girl was abducted last night in what is believed to be a related security incident, further underscoring the volatile lawlessness prevailing in the region.

In a related incident, Bakaal Kooke, the regional NISA chief for Gedo, was killed by a landmine explosion in late 2022 during a tense period in the region, highlighting the persistent insecurity and challenges faced by local authorities.

Mustaqbal