Garowe, Somalia – Puntland State Police have released the preliminary findings of their investigation into the killing of respected traditional elder Omar Abdullahi Abdi, confirming that he died in an airstrike near El-Buh in the Sanaag region on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
According to the statement issued late Monday, the police established that the elder was alone at the time of the incident and was not accompanied by anyone else. However, the report did not disclose who was responsible for carrying out the strike, noting that further inquiries were still underway.
“The investigation has so far verified that the deceased was killed in an aerial bombardment and that no other individuals were present with him during the attack,” the statement read, while stressing that the probe would continue to establish accountability.
The death of Abdi, a widely respected community figure known for his role in mediating clan disputes, has sent shockwaves across Puntland and neighboring regions. Elders, civil society leaders, and members of the public have called for transparency and justice, urging authorities to identify the perpetrators.
Residents of El-Buh reported hearing heavy aircraft activity on the day of the incident, but no group or foreign military force operating in the region has claimed responsibility for the strike.
The Puntland administration has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses, underscoring the sensitivity of the case and the importance of maintaining stability in the Sanaag region, which has long been contested by rival groups.
The elder’s funeral, attended by hundreds of mourners, underscored his influence and the widespread grief his sudden death has triggered.