Badhan, Sanaag – A prominent Somali elder, Nabadoon Omar Abdillahi Abdi, was killed on Saturday in an airstrike near El-buh in the Sanaag region, according to local residents.
Eyewitnesses reported that the elder’s vehicle was struck as he was leaving El-buh. Another unidentified man, who had reportedly been staying in the area for three nights, was also killed in the strike.
The identity of the aircraft remains unclear. However, several sources in the region suspect the planes belonged to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has in recent years been accused of carrying out military operations in northern Somalia.
The strike has sparked confusion and fear among locals, as it is not yet known who the intended target was. “We only know that Nabadoon Omar and the man with him died instantly. No one can explain why,” one resident told local media.
Sanaag, straddling the contested territories between Puntland and Somaliland, has in recent years witnessed tensions, foreign military presence, and occasional drone strikes.
Traditional elders such as Nabadoon Omar play a critical role in mediation, community leadership, and conflict resolution, making his death a significant blow to local governance structures.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, and no group or government has claimed responsibility for the attack.