In a bold and calculated move, the militant group Al-Shabaab attempted to assassinate Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, during a visit to his native region this week. The attack occurred while the general was overseeing military operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the central regions, where Somali forces have ramped up counterterrorism efforts over the past several months.
General Odowaa, who has led the Somali National Army (SNA) since 2020, was in the midst of coordinating an offensive campaign against the extremist group when his convoy came under fire. According to senior military sources, the ambush took place in the outskirts of Galmudug State, near a forested area often used by Al-Shabaab fighters as a staging ground for attacks.
The general was unharmed in the attack, though several members of his security detail were reportedly injured. Witnesses described heavy gunfire and explosions as Somali forces repelled the attackers. Reinforcements were quickly dispatched to secure the area and pursue the militants, some of whom fled into the surrounding terrain.
This assassination attempt is the latest in a series of escalations by Al-Shabaab, who have been facing increased pressure from Somali forces backed by local militias and international partners. In recent months, General Odowaa has taken a hands-on role in the battlefield, frequently traveling to frontline positions to monitor progress and boost troop morale.
Security analysts believe that the group’s failed attempt to kill General Odowaa signals both desperation and strategic intent. “Al-Shabaab sees him as one of the main architects of the current offensives that have pushed them out of several key towns,” said a former intelligence officer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Targeting him is both symbolic and tactical.”
Odowaa’s presence on the ground has not only boosted the morale of the troops but also served as a powerful signal of the federal government’s commitment to breaking the group’s grip over rural areas. Unlike some of his predecessors, he is known for his active leadership style and willingness to place himself in danger alongside his forces.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has prioritized the fight against Al-Shabaab since returning to office, condemned the attack and praised the army chief’s courage. In a statement issued hours after the incident, the president reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating the group and lauded General Odowaa for his leadership.
The Somali public, weary of Al-Shabaab’s reign of terror, has also reacted strongly. Social media was flooded with messages of support for the general, with many Somalis calling him a “true son of the nation” who has consistently risked his life to protect the country.
While Al-Shabaab has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, military officials say the group was behind it, citing the modus operandi and the location. Search operations in the area are ongoing, and several suspects have been detained.
The attempted assassination underscores the continuing threat posed by Al-Shabaab and the long road ahead for Somalia in its fight for stability and peace.
