Hiiraan Online
Monday November 2, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) – A prominent Somali military general who was killed in militants attack on Mogadishu hotel on Sunday was laid to rest in front of a hundreds of distraught family and fellow officers in central Somalia on Monday.
Somalia’s defense minister Abdiqadir Ali Dini who led the tribute, said that the death of General Abdikarim Dhagabadan, the former Somali military chief who led the anti militants offensive that saw troops recaptured significant areas and strongholds from Al-Shabab was a ‘huge loss’.
“He was a hero who spent most of his time fighting Al-Shabab to liberate his country.” The devastated Gen. Dini said at the burial ritual.
Dhagabadan, 55 has spent most of his time serving in the army, a work he proudly maintained until his death.
His fellow officers described him as a ‘dedicated’ commander who despite personal risks in the battlefields never had a single thought of leaving behind his fellow officers.
Gunmen from the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab group have shot dead the general inside Sahafi hotel in Mogadishu in a complex attack on the hotel. The attackers have also killed a Somali lawmaker and the owner of the hotel.
At his burial site, as soldiers carried the body of the general towards the grave in Galgadud region, dozens of fellow officers and relatives burst into tears, helplessly watching their loved one gone forever.
Gen. Dhagabadan’s death has also touched millions of Somalis across the world as thousands took to the social media, describing him as a ‘legend’ who will remain their hearts.
Others have criticized the current government of failing to protect the former army commander after the general was killed in the hotel attack.
The Al-Shabab group has claimed the responsibility for the attack, accusing the general of plotting against them.
Despite their ouster from large swathes in south and central Somalia, the group stepped up attacks against Somali government and African Union troops in recent months.