ELBUH, Somalia – The family of Somali clan elder Omar Abdillahi Abdi, killed in a U.S. airstrike on September 13, has constructed a memorial, rejecting AFRICOM’s claims that he was an Al-Shabaab operative.
Abdi was traveling alone in the Ji’anyo area, between Elbuh and Badhan, in northeastern Somalia when three missiles struck his vehicle. Locals described the attack as sudden and devastating.
“Our brother was a respected elder, not a terrorist. The U.S. killed an innocent man without proof,” said Ali Abdullahi Abdi, his elder brother. He added that Omar was a peacemaker who mediated clan disputes.
The family’s memorial features his photo flanked by images of the U.S. drone and his destroyed vehicle. “They thought they silenced one man, but they awakened an entire community,” said Abdi’s wife, calling for justice.
The airstrike has sparked questions about how AFRICOM obtained intelligence, as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) does not operate in this region and Puntland authorities claim no involvement. Critics also question who authorized the attack, given that Abdi was unarmed and had no bodyguards.
Civilian casualties from U.S. airstrikes in Somalia often go uninvestigated and uncompensated, causing lasting grief. Human rights groups continue to demand accountability. “Somali lives matter. Every death deserves truth and justice,” said a local activist.
The memorial has become a place of mourning, with residents gathering to pray for Abdi’s peaceful rest, symbolizing community solidarity against the backdrop of international military operations in Somalia.
