Six federal government soldiers killed by clan militia fighters in the Middle Shabelle region were laid to rest on Sunday in Beledweyne, the capital of the Hiran region.
The funeral followed a burial agreement reached by Hawadle and Abgal traditional elders despite lingering tensions over justice for the slain soldiers.
The soldiers, identified as Abdikafi Ali Cabdulle, Bile Xasan Cabdulle Sabriye, Abdi Abdullahi Adan, Farhaan Xasan Ali Cadow, Abshir Hussein Jimcaale, and Muhiyidiin Cabdulle Wehliye, were killed in El-Baraf district while on leave, travelling to visit their families in Hiiraan region.
The burial was attended by prominent officials, including the Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Sanbalolshe, army chief General Odowaa Yusuf Raagge, and traditional elders and family members.
The Somali military court has issued arrest warrants for 14 suspects connected to the killings, while Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has ruled out resolving the case through clan negotiations. “Accountability and justice are paramount,” the prime minister emphasized in recent remarks.
Initially, elders in Beledweyne had resisted burying the soldiers until the perpetrators were apprehended. However, the agreement to proceed with the funerals is seen as a significant step toward de-escalating the situation while maintaining public pressure for justice to be served.
