(05 Apr 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Colonel Nur Mohamed Gabow Farey, commander of Somalia’s 14th October Brigade, was shot dead on Saturday by a man wearing a military uniform in the Addow Dibille area near Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle region, according to a security source.
Witnesses say Colonel Farey was addressing newly deployed soldiers when the attacker approached, shouting repeatedly before opening fire and fatally injuring him. The shooter was immediately gunned down at the scene. Authorities are investigating whether the gunman was an al-Shabaab infiltrator.
Colonel Farey had been spearheading mobilisations aimed at recapturing Awdheegle town from al-Shabaab militants. The 14th October Brigade, which he commanded, was established in memory of the victims of Somalia’s deadliest terrorist attack at Mogadishu’s K-5 junction on October 14, 2017, which killed and injured thousands.
The incident comes at a critical time as Somali forces counter renewed al-Shabaab offensives in Lower Shabelle and areas surrounding Mogadishu, including Elasha Biyaha, Lafole, and Hawo Abdi. The killing has sparked concerns about internal security and infiltration within military ranks.
Halqabsi News
