Ex-military chief: Al-Shabaab has infiltrated Somali Govt troops

NAIROBI, Kenya - The level of Al-Shabaab infiltration in the Somali National Army (SNA) could be alarming, former Chief of Defence Forces General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin has said, noting that the trust and competence of the force could be compromised.

In what could force security chiefs to retreat and examine the situation, General Ibrahim said the infiltration was possible following the recent assassination of Lieutenant Colonel Nur Mohamed Gaabow, known as Nur Farey.

“We are in a difficult time where there is no clear distinction between the enemy and the army. The enemy is hiding within the ranks of the army in every form,” said Gen. Muhyiddin, calling the killing of the commander both regrettable and a sign of institutional neglect.

The late commander was killed in Ado-Diidible between Afgoye and Buure and was mostly known for his trust in the troops. He had sidelined his aides before meeting soldiers who had grievances with one of them said to have pulled the trigger.

In most jurisdictions, most senior military commanders are assigned guards who accompany them to such functions. However, it is not clear why the slain soldier opted to leave his team behind before visiting the disgruntled troops.

However, to date, it's not clear whether the shooter was a member of the Somali National Army (SNA) or an Al-Shabaab militant who may have infiltrated the military. The Somali National Army is prone to infiltration given its turbulent transmission.

Officials from the Somali National Army confirmed that the commander was shot from a close range while inspecting a guard of honour as it is a routine in the military during such high-profile visits. This happened ahead of a major offensive against the group.

In his address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the killing of the commander while promising swift action against the perpetrator. Al-Shabaab has a history of collaboration with military members, leading to massive infiltration in the country's security forces.

However, no credible reports are linking the group to sections of the military, which is underpaid and whose members have previously complained of law payments. The al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE