Puntland security forces has carried out a number of key operations which have seen the troops crush and dismantle terrorist cells/networks behind series of assassinations in northern Somalia.
In the past few weeks, Puntland troops have stepped up offensive against the Al-Qaeda affiliate, Al-Shabaab operating in Puntland, northern Somalia inflicting heavy blows to the two jihadist groups.
The troops have successfully raided at least seven terrorist networks, arrested dozens of terrorists and their commanders behind nearly 30 targeted assassinations against security force members, journalists, governors, and other senior Puntland officials.
According Mudug Regional Police Commander Mumin Abdi Shire, among the detained militants include Feisal Ahmed Bashir alias Gujis, 31, who was born and worked in Galkayo as a technician. The source further noted that Bashir joined Al-Shabaab in 2008. He received his training in Elasha Biyaha areas on the outskirts of Mogadishu and participated in several battles in the southern Somalia before being deployed to his hometown.
Intelligence report on Bashir indicate that he has committed 10 assassinations, with his first assassination in Galkayo in 2008 soon after finishing training. He was popular on social media, posting pictures and statements on his Facebook account in support of the Somali government to keep off security radar.
Among his notable killings include the assassinations of Abdulkadir Jama Nugal, a former Mudug regional prosecutor who was targeted near Al Aziz Mosque, and Abdi Ka’an, a senior Puntland intelligence official.
Bashir alongside other seven militants were arraigned in Mudug and Ayn court that handed them with death and jail sentences for killings and blasts in northern Galkayo since 2008.
Other Al-Shabaab convicts facing the firing squad include;
- Sahal Abdullahi Jama, 32, lived in Galkayo and worked as a driver.
- Idris Mohamed Afyare, 25, born in Mogadishu, lived in Galkayo, and owned a shop.
- Salman Mohamud Saleban alias Abdulkadir Alfarisi, 22, lived in Galkayo and owned a bakery.
- Jama Muriidi, 20, born in Bula-Marer, Lower Shabelle region, and worked in Galkayo as a Tuk-Tuk driver.
