Somali official survives alleged Turkish drone strike
Hassan Abdulkadir, a key strategist for Laftagaren's forces, escaped unharmed after his motorcycle was hit.
Hassan Abdulkadir, former internal security minister of Southwest State and a key figure in Laftagaren’s forces, survived an alleged Turkish drone strike on Wednesday night. The strike hit a motorcycle carrying two of Laftagaren’s fighters, killing them. Abdulkadir and another military figure, Mustafa Qoomaal, were unharmed in the attack in the Bay region.
It is unclear if the strike targeted Abdulkadir, who is considered the main strategist for Laftagaren’s guerrilla campaign. His forces recently recaptured towns including Qansah-dhere, Burhakabo, and Dinsor. This is the second air raid on a Somali opposition politician; General Mahad Abdirahman survived an F-16 strike on September 3.
Abdulkadir has been seen in towns recently retaken by Laftagaren’s forces. The federal government had previously launched an offensive in March that ousted the former regional president. Laftagaren’s forces continue to consolidate their control over the Bay region.
Why it mattersHassan Abdulkadir, a key strategist for Laftagaren's forces, and Mustafa Qoomaal were directly affected by an alleged drone strike.