Hiiraan, Somalia – In a deeply disturbing and unprecedented act, a Somali National Army (SNA) soldier appeared before a military court in Hiiraan on Thursday, accused of fatally shooting his own uncle, who was also his commanding officer.
The suspect, whose identity has not been officially released, was part of the personal security detail of the late Colonel Abdirahman Hujaale, a senior officer serving in the Hiiraan region. According to military prosecutors, the accused fired a single, fatal shot to the head of Col. Hujaale in what is being described as a deliberate and cold-blooded killing.
The incident, which reportedly occurred earlier this month, has sent shockwaves through the ranks of the Somali military and the broader public, both for its brutality and the close familial ties between the victim and the accused. Col. Hujaale was considered a respected and experienced leader in the region’s fight against Al-Shabaab militants.
Sources close to the investigation told reporters that the motive behind the killing remains unclear, though military authorities have launched a full inquiry into both the personal and professional dynamics between the two men.
During Thursday’s court appearance, the accused remained silent as prosecutors laid out preliminary evidence against him. The military court has not yet set a date for the full trial, but officials say the case will be expedited due to its severity and the public interest it has generated.
“This is not just a case of murder—it is a betrayal of family, duty, and trust,” said one military officer who asked not to be named. “The army must take swift and just action to restore morale and discipline,” he added.
Colonel Hujaale was buried with full military honors in Beledweyne. His death is being mourned by colleagues, family, and residents in Hiiraan, where he was known for his commitment to stability and counterinsurgency operations.
The Ministry of Defence and Somali National Army command have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.