MOGADISHU — A Somali National Army (SNA) officer was killed on Friday, December 26, 2025, after a landmine explosion struck the area known as Number 50 in the Lower Shabelle region, according to multiple sources.
The officer, Abdullahi Abdirahman, widely known by his nickname Sandhiiqo, was among a group of young SNA officers trained at the TURKSOM military training camp in Mogadishu. Reports indicate that the landmine hit him while he was carrying out security duties, causing severe injuries. He later died from those wounds shortly after the explosion.
In recent days, the late officer had been actively involved in security operations aimed at stabilizing the key road linking Afgoye and Marka. He worked closely with Federal Government forces, local security units, and troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holding coordination meetings to strengthen security in the area.
So far, no official statement has been issued by the Federal Government of Somalia or the South West State administration regarding the details of the explosion. However, government forces have launched security operations in areas surrounding Number 50 following the incident.
The killing highlights the continued security challenges in Lower Shabelle, where landmines and improvised explosive devices remain a serious threat to security forces engaged in stabilization efforts.
