Somalia: A high-ranking commander of Somalia’s U.S.-trained elite Danab forces was killed in fierce clashes in the central region of Hiran on Tuesday, marking a major setback for government troops as Al-Shabaab insurgents continue reclaiming territory seized by the military in recent years. Commander Asad Osman Afrah, leading a heavily armed reinforcement convoy from Adan Yabal town in the Middle Shabelle region, was ambushed en route to Aborey town—a strategic town recently captured by militants. According to military sources, Afrah was fatally struck by sniper fire during the attack, which also saw Somali Army Chief Odowa Yusuf Rage narrowly escape.
The ambush came as Somali forces launched a counterattack to retake Aborey, which fell to insurgents on Sunday. Earlier attempts to reclaim the town were repelled, with militants inflicting heavy casualties in close-quarters combat.
- Lord, we pray for Commander Asad Osman Afrah’s family. We pray for their comfort as they mourn. Give them peace and strength to overcome (The Holy Bible, Jeremiah 4:19).
- Lord, we pray for the safety of all those who are fighting, focusing on their safety, wisdom, and well-being and the people they lead, seeking God’s protection and guidance for them and the nation (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 2:4).
News Source: Garowe Online
Image Source: Canva
