Somaliland
Somaliland police clash with Al Shabab sleeper cell in Burao
June 10, 2010 · 39 Comments
BURAO (Somalilandpress) — Police clashed with an armed group on Thursday in Somaliland’s second city of Burao leaving one dead and two injured.
Residents in the October neighbourhood of Burao notified police when they became suspicious of the behaviour of a group of men who recently moved into one of the homes in the area.
The police arrived shortly after midday and tried to investigate the house. The neighbours suspicious was confirmed when the armed men opened fire on the police, injuring two and killing one of the senior officers.
The police over powered the group and arrested eleven people including four women. The police also seized large amounts of small arms, bomb building materials, hand grenades, sacks of explosives and other devices.
Somaliland Police Commissioner, Gen. Mohammad Saqadi Gubad said the group were a sleeper cell for Somalia’s radical Al-shabab militants who wanted to cause mayhem ahead of the elections in the country.
“I want to thank the police forces of Togdher for their bravery who thwarted a plot to target party leaders and disturb the elections,” he told local reporters in Burao.
He added an investigation was underway to determine exactly how they sneaked into the country and to determine how many other members are still in hideout.
Last month, Somalilandpress received a report from Mogadishu that Al-Shabab has recruited and sent nine Somaliland nationals to Somaliland after receiving their trainings in the Bakol region of Somalia for the last three years. It is not clear if it is the same group or another cell.
The report added the soul purpose of their mission was to spoil the elections, a practice they regard as Western institution. It is not the first time radical groups tried to carry out acts of terrorism during elections.
The leader of Al-Shabab, Ahmed Godane (adopted name: Sheik Mokhtar Abu-Zubeyr), who is also a native of Somaliland received his extremist training in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mr Godane received an accounting scholarship to study in Pakistan funded by Saudi millionaires, he use to occasionally travel to Afghanistan during his school breaks.
Godane returned to Somaliland in late 2001 and by 2002, he started a plot to create a northern-wing for Somalia’s Al-Ittihad al-Islami, an armed militant, founded in the 90s. Mr Godane preached at the Abu-Bashir mosque in Hargeisa. He landed an accounting job at the Al Barakat office in Hargeisa, later the U.S. government listed Al-Barakat as terrorist organisation, accusing them of providing or transferring funds for radical groups.
He was able to recruit and radicalise a small group who would later carry out attacks including the killing of Analena Tonelli, an Italian aid worker working in Borame hospital, the killing of British couples in Sheikh and hijacked a vehicle belong to WFP.
The Somaliland police responded by killing or arresting many of his followers including Jama Kutiye, a senior member of the group and a close friend of Mr Godane.
After releasing most of his friends were either killed or in prison, Mr Godane found the perfect route to escape at the perfect time. Just as he felt the net was closing on him, the war between Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and the Ethiopians broke out in Southern Somalia.
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In 2006, he escaped from Somaliland forces into the Somali region of Ethiopia and before arriving in southern Somalia, taking arms against the Ethiopians. Mr Godane decided to change his name to Abu Zubeyr and rose to the General Secretary of the Islamic Courts Union.
After the split of ICU, Mr Godane joined Aden Hashi Farah “Ayro” and his long term friend, also a Somalilander and a US citizen, Ibrahim Hajji Jama “Afghani” to form Al Shabab (The Youth), they seen themselves younger than the other group led by Sheikh Dahir Aweys, a Somali-Ethio 1977 war veteran.
Even though Mr Godane has no influence in Somaliland – it is easy to radicalise many of the youth, as unemployment is over 80 per cent, many disapprove of the current administration and Ethiopian ties.
However, many of his recruiters, financiers and aids are in Somaliland prisons and it’s these prisoners that the French government has requested Somaliland to release so Mr Godane can release the French agent.
The president who understands the dangers of releasing the aid and personal friends of Ahmed Godane, has rejected their request. More front lines could open if President Rayale was to please the French. Not only are these men dangerous – they could be psychological boost for Mr Godane, a friend, a companion, a childhood memory, a Somalilander.
The French agent held in Somalia by Al Shabab.
Somalilandpress | Thursday, June 10, 2010
Follow @somalilandpressTags: Al shabaab, Al Shabab in somaliland, Burco fighting, Somaliland
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Have to say just one word to alshabab and any other terrorist group , No Way, No way,, there is no way you can hide and terrorize Somaliland citizens.
Kulmiye party need to come out and condem this
Violent extremist group hiding in it’s midst. We all know these terrorists are based in suuq Bari east burco where this gunfight with Somaliland police took place and some of Kulmiye’s supporters are pro-Alshabaab, Kulmiye has a lot of explaining to do here or else they will be viewed in bed with Al-Shabaab.
mustafe, do not put it that way brother,, majority of kulmiye members are good citizens,, they do not have leadership skills and political plans as every one knows,, but they are not terrorist.
The leader of Al-Shabaab is from Somaliland. Please google this name if you don't beleive me. Muktar Abdulrahim Abuzubair aka Shaykh Mukhtar. DOB: 10 July 1977. POB: Hargeysa, Somaliland/Somalia. Sorry to burst your bubble but also the leader of Kismanyo Sheikh Saylici is from Burco. After all we are not any different. Somalis are somalis regardless of what tribe or region lets try to solve our problems together.
Dear Sister,
Your comment is more about Somali unity than the issue itself. Yes, there are somalilanders in Shabab group in somalia as there are UK & USA and Arab citizens.
Terrorism is a global war and we nations of the horn should unite to fight it since these people are common enemy .
Yes, Ahmed Abdi and Ibrahim H. Jama are from Hargeisa; but
what's that got to do with Somali unity? I am lost ……. Your point being?
WSC,
Hageisawi in London
Mustafe..Plz don´t asociate these Awful actions with Kulmiye Party…
read the page of the story… Intellectually..
Somalilanders have common enemy,
Somaliland for ever..
These people will not succeed. They are an affront to Muslims all across the world. Islam is peace. Somalilanders in Burco, both the police force and ordinary citizens showed remarkable courage. Alle ha u naxariisto marxuumkii ciidanka boliiska ahaa ee ku dhintay laga dagaalanka qoladan.
Mustafe is right,
This is not the first time that Shabab show their presence in Burco, Back in 2007 there was a group that use to burn somaliland newspapers that "attack al shabab" Kulmiye was silent about those attacks. Not because they are with al shabaab but kulmiye's policy back then was extremely hostile! Unlike UCID, they did not unite with other parties when common enemy arises. In such times, they become silent and love to see somaliland fall apart so that they take it back by military. But now since they feel that they can take power i think they will condemn this time .
kulmiye being as a power hunger party,, they usually positioned them selves against the government no matter if the adminstration is wrong or right. therefore this behaviour became their permanent culture. war on terror is some people are all united from government to civilian.
Please, do not jump to a conclusion, this group can be terror group that calls it self SSC or NSUM or it can be al-sheidan terror group. Let the police of Somaliland do their investigations and tell us who is behind this terror. I will also say, all three Somaliland presidential candidates should speak up against this terror and any other terror groups, condemn them to the fullest. Whoever candidate that play low profile on this issue, Somaliland people should think through before voting for him. Because, Somaliland can not afford to take a risk on this particular issue period!
Only sick people jump to the conclusion and blame the Party that they afraid coming to power and will be coming soon. Whoever says such think is not a Somalilander and sick. We shall all stand together to fight the terrorists whoever they are. People like Mr. Sulub and those above who share his ideas will run away tomorrow and we are pretty sure that we shall pin the asses soon.
Somaliland and its people are vigilant and either terrorists or those who support will not succeed. God, the Almighty always saves our country.
Hello Brothers & Sisters, dont worry about this trivial skirmishes intended
to undermine the Somaliland Presidential elections set for June 26, 2010.
Here again, the ruling party since 1993, appear to be losing essence,
crediblity, the Somalilanders are yearning for a change of party, lets hope
that Udub party does not win the elections, this time around, not out of hatred
but simply longing for change of taste of new rulers. Isnt that what democracy
is all about. Those of you who are brainwashed to see nothing but their
fellow tribal man, sorry to say that you are nothing more than vaccum
filters.
Cheers.
Brothers & sisters, lets hope the Presidential elections will be conducted
peacefully. Now that the campaigns are in full swing, my heart goes for the
opposition parties to win, not out of hatred for the Udub ruling party who have
been in power since 1993, but simply this Somaliland small country yearns
for change of leadership, which has become overdue, because of tactical
delays, we all know.
As an after thought, President is said to be in Sanaag Region. The guy only
goes W/bari, during election times??? Funny World.
All terrorist cells will be eliminated from our soil, they are evil roots in East Africa and the war-torn Somalia. Thanks to our strong police and military. Above that, Somalilanders deserve the biggest appreciation and congratulations. Keep up and you are the best. No one can influence and spoil our destiny. I believe this is not related to the campaigning process,may be it was intended for the presidents visit to Burao on his way back from Erigavo. Finally, my last words go to Burao citizens, never ever accept that anyone no matter what he is or where he is from to spoil your peace since you are the founders of Somaliland. Allah Bless Somaliland. Long Live.
I would like to post a strong message to all Somalilanders and concerned peace loving individuals to realise the fact that a militant hostile groups are constantly engaged in finding ways of terrorising Somaliland.These groups got different political agenda but agree and cooperate each other by destabilising Somaliland.
Therefore.stop pointing fingers to the three Somaliland parties and wake up to update awareness of your surroundings and be vigilant at this crucial time of Somaliland elections.
First, my condolence to the family of the killed soldier and I wish well for the injured. Second, Somaliland should prepare itself to fight alshabab in their strong hold territories not in Somaliland cities. It is not acceptable that the war moves to Somaliland cities. You fight the enemy in its own territory not in your cities. Somaliland should prepare elite units that can be sent deep into the enemy territory to capture or kill the most wanted criminals. I’m thinking of like the SNM "Lixle unit" which captured the Mandeera jail and released all prisons, during the fight with siyad Barre regime in the 80's. We need to prepare daring elite units that can shake the enemy. I have no doubt Somaliland military can undertake this task.
baalaaya! This report wreaks of propaganda and thinks the Somali people are going to be tempted against each other. The government in somalia is falling and they are seeking to eventually pit Somaliland against Mogadishu, it breaks my heart.
Remember when the ICU wanted to welcome the government into Mogadishu and form an alliance based on our people's needs?
Remember America's godless dreams for Somalia?
Remember when the carpet was withdrawn due to the government's betrayal of hiding Ethio-troops on our soil?
the media trys to tarnish history but history ends up tarnishing it.
'ogaden'
Still no word from all three candidates. I know Faysal Warabe will come out strong against this barbaric group of radicals but will Silanyoo do the same and aliante a portion of his staunch followers? I doubt. Only time will tell wether the rumors surrounding Kulmiye’s love for all things Somaliweyn/ Puntland is true or not. I like change
Just not sure this is the right change. Kulmiye and it’s leaders have been rather silent on critical national issues, Sool and Buhodle. Somaliland sovereignty and seems to advocate relationship and open borders with Somalia according to the most recent defectee from Udub to Kulmiye Ex. Roving ambassador Mohamed Aar. Be careful who you vote for Somalilanders you might just get it!
ask yourself why now? an excuse to delay the election? maybe……
I hope we don't get another war started in North Somalia.
If its true their al-Habab agents eliminate them.
We ,Somalilanders, still face destabilizing threats from Somalia and are afraid of their machinations. Why are we always defensive and not offensive.? We should kill those of us who are allured to be fighting for Allah but who are unknowingly working for Arab fundamentalists. Our destiny has nothing to do with religious affiliations. Somalis, in general, are Sunni Muslims. We had been like this for the last 14 centuries. Why are we forced to change our religious traditions this time? The answer is for political agendas.
why did u delete my comment …!!!???
I am seriously concerned about the lack of training given to the Somaliland police. When dealing with dangerous groups like Al Shabab, the police should never have entered the premises like they were arresting some common criminals but should have stormed their hideout when the terrorists where asleep. May Allah have mercy on the dead police man. He is indeed a martyr. Also I wish the injured two a speedy recovery.
First of all my condolences to the family of the police man and hope those who were injured recover soon.
This shows how pro-Somalia unionist and Islamists are against Somaliland's democracy, education and development. They have tried us over and over again and each time they failed, they never learn.
We said no to extremism and we say no to Union — so get lost or be happy in our prisons.
Also it shows that Rayale government failed in security, it's only over two weeks until elections and no forces have been deployed in the border. No check-points, nothing. They are spending all the money on campaigns and bribery while there is no security, if al shabab is going to blow anyone up it should be Rayale, he failed the basic security.
It is important to keep Somalilanders away from such group as al shabaab because just as they have demonstrated they could create a stable government, law and order and strong institutions in the north of the former Somalia, they could also create powerful groups.
Before Somalilanders such as Ahmed Abdi Godane, Afghani, Zaylaci and others joined the high ranks of Al shabaab, the group was little known and often was divided along tribal lines and was seen as Ogaden and habar gidir thing.
Those Somaliland natives have managed to make the group the most powerful extremist group in Africa and right now are recruiting more foreigners than Al Qaeda.
Their videos, messages, tactics, movement, strategy is more powerful than the Talibans at the moment.
This is why for me, when Somalilander joins my opponents it worries me more than the others.
The world must take out Ahmed Abdi Godane, Zaylaci, Afghani and the other Somalilanders and I am certain the group will collapse like all southern institutions and organisations.
Ladies and gentlemen Al-Salaamu Calaykum As Mr. Kayse mentioned the Senior Officers of Al-Shabab are originally. The Somaliland Government can make a deal with them and convince them to return back to their normal live safely. The main question is who is gonna make such a deal?
As a matter of fact Somaliland is currently in a progressive situation we couldn't avoid to resist a minor conflict what ever it mignt be, therefore, it might be there is some body who is playing dirty games role. Mind you guys our president was a former Somali National Service and he hire all his staff to feed the information. I am giving these hints because I want you to deeply.
Best Regards
Waiting your response
Somalilanders have to be vigilant and to look out for suspicious activities such as people who disappeared and suddenly re-appeared. Unknown people who are spending large amount of money for renting houses and buying cars, people with niqaabs.
Praise to those people who discovered the suspicious activities of those ‘shaydaan duufsey’ individuals who want to harm Somalilanders and alerted the authority. Well done folks and well done to our brave Police and Military who are giving their lives for their country. Keep being the eyes and the ears of your Country. Long Live Somaliland!
Police and Military have to be cautious when storming Al-shabaab's hideout. These Shaydaan duufsey individuals are ruthless and bloodthirsty. Approach them with caution and nab them in their tracks to minimize harm to our Police and Military.
I think Somaliland also needs new real estate/renting and buying law – I think all renting, leasing should be done through a qualified agent (or real estate company) or if you going to do it in person you need to provide documents to the local council or authority.
This rent to anyone needs to stop, some people I dont know if they are desperate or stupid, they rent their homes to any stranger without knowing them.
In the future any home rent to any terrorist, the government should have the right to seize the house, demolish it or auction it. That will be the end.
All hotels need to monitor any suspicious activities and also introduce surveillance videos.
Yes, be vigilant Somalilanders!!! And May ALLAH keep you
all safe.
For S/Land gov to successfully fend off any attempts of al-shabaab gaining ground in Somaliland then our gov MUST assist in supporting central regions like Gulmudug State, with the intention of this region being a buffer state between S/Land and the disturbing violence in southern Somalia.
Many people within the Gulmudug Sate show admiration and respect for S/Land and it would be a great tragedy and a massive fear if we just sit back and see the dirty shabaab militia capture the entire central regions!!!
Walahi Mustafe you are good man today Ucid came out strongly against this terrorists but still no words from Kulmiye and its leaders far baa ku godan kulmiye because they never say a word about Somalia and many of its supporters are known Somaliweynist. Also Imam of a masjid in Burco declared his open support for Kulmiye which makes you wonder why is a wadaad supporting a political party, remember they are suppose to be nueatral but maybe they have a vested interest to see kulmiye win so they can advance their one Somaliweyn Islamic agenda and team up with the Alshabaab murderers in Mogadisho many sheikhs in Burco like Warsame are deeply connected to the terrorists in Mog and is maried to Hassan Aweys's daughter. Even the pirate cheif of Bugland Faroole spoke recently and assured his people that they have accomplished alot diplomatically and if Kulmiye wins the coming elections they made sure through secret deals with its leadership to pull the Somaliland troops out of Laascaanood and Sool and Sanaag. Walahi am not kidding you these Kulmiye guys are not what they appear to be they are pro-Somalia and have deep connections with it through marriage and other means.
Not every Sheikh or Wadaad is bad, terrorist or fanatic. There are lots of moderate and good religious people in Somaliland who don't want to harm Somaliland or its people but rather promote peace and nation building.
There are very religious, but good and highly educated Sheikhs such as Sheikh Adam-siiro whom I love to listen to his Friday Prayers Speech through Haddwanaagnews. Another example is Sheikh Mohamed Ali Geedi who is tirelessly working to help needy Somalilanders. These individuals and the like should be part of our government because they are assets and not liabilities to our society. They are good examples and role models to our people.
The rayale administration has failed in every way possible and this time around no one is going to vote for UDUB, they failed to secure out borders, root out terrorists, resolve the Buhodle issue and more importantly they failed to make connections with regions such as Galmudug which is important people and region to the Somaliland people.
Stabilizing central Somalia through Galmudug is very crucial because we can keep al shabab in the south, we also need to develop ties with the Suufi movements, Somaliland is naturally sufism, if you didnt know, I suggest you read.
We are not those crazy head spinning sufis but we are the laid back Muslims who make cibada, alabari, siyara, and we always welcome "timo weyn" which when you put all that together constitutes to sufism, ask anyone. Wahabists like al shabab disapprove a lot of the things we have in Somaliland including peace, alabari, our tombs of Sheikh Isaxaaq, Sheikh Aw Barkhadle and many other things.
So lets support Jumma.
Dear Lander,
I am with you about the Sufism, but instead of stablizing central
somalia through Galmudug, the perception becomes supporting
Hawiye against Darood. With all Alshabab Darood crafts , Politically,
somaliland is better off, if it deals with the Somalia crisis as a whole
issue without involving in clannish rivalries. Let Somalia sorts out
their problems. Somaliland has enough internal problems to deal with.
Any home or property rented to terrorists should be seized; either demolished or aunctioned. Somaliland people are too naive they rent their homes to any stranger.
Do not trust anyone especially people from Somalia and Sool region.
i hate every Alshabab groups want to destroy our nation . all of you shit gays around stop roaming around our nation or soon our taught commander will hung you in the ceiling. I’m telling every Alshabab to stop the idea of thinking to destroy our strong country and people of cops every where controlling in case of any vampires try to eat our heats that rested from only half decade bloody of all whom are gangsters of human blood
yes we bring out them vampires out of their holes and
hunt them down at night 'coz them like roaming the
street pitch black.
Dear Lander, 3 days ago.
your thinking presentations carry lots of good common sense.
its upto the contraversial Somaliland peoples to blindly uphold the
Udub party, uptill the time of Pharohs dooms-day dawns them, or to
wake up for the change of leadership, Somaliland is yearning for???
Waxa jira wax aad moodo inuu khair ku yahay oo sharr ku ah iyo waxa
moodo inuu sharr ku yahay oo khair ku ah. Simply, rejecting Kulmiye,
Because of Siilaanyo, without justification reasons, isn't enough justices,
to condemn Xisbiga Kulmiye and what it stands for. Therefore,
Guulwadayasha Udub iyo Madaxdooda, iyo Ucid in some cases, must
learn, the langugaes of respecting their contenders, who also very
much have similar ambitions for power like you do.
Lets all learn the tools of choosing whats good against the bad.
i think its not a bad deal to write some words for teeth of an unknown person, for the sake of a moto bike……
just kidding