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Alleged shooter's name prompts response from American Muslims.

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Washington (SomalilandPress) — Ibrahim Hooper knows the drill.

When news first broke Thursday that a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, killed and injured U.S. soldiers, the national communications director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote a statement of condemnation.

He only sent it out later, when reports emerged that the alleged shooter’s name was Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.

“As soon as we saw what appeared to be a Muslim name, we issued our statement,” Hooper said. “Until that time, we were praying that no Muslim would be involved.”

That’s the reality of crisis management for the Muslim-American community, said Hooper, who handles communications for the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy group.

Even without confirmation that the alleged gunman was Muslim — there was no immediate determination of any religious affiliation for Hasan — the mere reporting of a possible Muslim name required an immediate comment, he said.

“That’s unfortunately the world we live in nowadays,” Hooper said. “So often, Muslims are accused of not condemning these kind of acts.”

The CAIR statement said: “No political or religious ideology could ever justify or excuse such wanton and indiscriminate violence. The attack was particularly heinous in that it targeted the all-volunteer Army that protects our nation. American Muslims stand with our fellow citizens in offering both prayers for the victims and sincere condolences to the families of those killed or injured.”

In a separate statement, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, based in Los Angeles, California, condemned what it called the “heinous incident.”

“We are in contact with law enforcement and U.S. federal government officials to gain more facts from this tragic incident and work together in dealing with its aftermath,” the group said.

Its statement called on “all members of American Muslim communities to be in contact with local law enforcement for the safety and security of their communities and their institutions.”

The Islamic Information Center also issued a statement “in conjunction with all the major Muslim organizations nationwide” that condemned the attack.

“While several news reports have cited one of the gunmen to be Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, IIC strongly emphasizes that this attack and its perpetrator are in no way representative of the Muslim people or the peace-loving religion of Islam,” the statement said.

“The individuals who perpetrated this attack blatantly acted against the teachings of Islam and humanity,” it added.

After the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, Muslim-Americans reported increased attacks and threats by revenge-minded non-Muslims.

“We’ve seen this before,” Hooper said of a possible backlash. “Whenever there’s an incident of this type, there’s always the possibility this will happen.”

Even non-Muslims could be targeted, he said, noting that Sikhs who wear turbans or Hispanic-Americans can be mistaken as being of Middle Eastern descent.

On Thursday night, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad told a news conference the alleged Fort Hood attacker’s motive remained unknown.

“We urge all Americans to remain calm in reaction to this tragic event and to demonstrate once again what is best about America — our nation’s ability to remain unified even in times of crisis,” Awad said. “We urge national political and religious leaders and media professionals to set a tone of calm and unity.

“Unfortunately, based on past experience, we also urge American Muslims, and those who may be perceived to be Muslim, to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves, their families and their religious institutions from possible backlash.”

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Somali Man Arrested for Killing a Woman

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HARGEISA, 5 Nov 2009 (Somalilandpress) – A man was arrested in Greeley early this morning just hours after a recent arrival to Fort Morgan was stabbed to death in front of her apartment house.

The woman, in her early 20s, is one of approximately 600 African refugees including Kenyans, Somalis and Nigerians living in the northeastern Colorado community, said Fort Morgan Police Chief Keith Kuretich.

It is the first homicide in Fort Morgan since Oct. 28, 2006.

Kuretich said police responded to the apartment complex in the 400 block of West Kiowa Avenue after receiving a 911 call reporting the stabbing.

The call was made by other tenants in the building.

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Officers were quickly able to determine that a man had been seen with the victim in recent days and was the likely suspect, according to the chief.

After obtaining the man’s name and learning he was in Greeley, Fort Morgan Police contacted the Greeley Police Department, said the chief.

In the meantime, relatives of the victim had contacted the suspect and told him police were looking or him. At that point, the suspect, identified as Ahmed Abdi, 25, called the Greeley police and said he would turn himself in.

Abdi was arrested in Greeley and returned to Fort Morgan where he is being held for investigation of second-degree murder and first and second-degree assault.

Kuretich said authorities are trying to determine the exact relationship between the victim and Abdi. The victim’s name has not been released.

Source: Denverpost

Puntland Court Jails Suspected Islamists

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BOSASO, 4 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The first degree court of Bosaso, Puntland capital in northeastern Somalia has convicted six youth suspected of having links with Al-Shabab Islamic Movement. The youth were being held at a police station in Boosaaso town during the past few days.

Four youth accused of being members of Al-Shabab appeared before the court and were sentenced to jail terms of between 10 to 15 years in prison by the judge of Boosaaso court.

The judge of Boosaaso court, Ahmad Garane, read out the names of the six youth as:

Mahmud Sa’id Mahmud
Samatar Mahmud
Deeq Yasin
Ali Ga’amey
Ibrahim Muhammad Shire
Ahmad Abdirazzaq Muhammad

The convicted youth didn’t speak to the media. It is still unclear whether they would appeal against the verdict.

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On the other hand, police in Bosaso arrested a number of youth following security operations held in the neighborhoods of the town. Several youth were arrested and taken to Boosaaso central police station. Some of the arrested youth do not hail from Puntland and were caught impromptu.

The latest development comes after a hand grenade attack at a local police station in the past two nights, although no one has been injured in the attacks.

Reliable sources told Somalilandpress that police were asking the arrested youth about a specific group accused of involvement in robbery and the attempted kidnap of a plane belonging to Daalo Airline Company.

Abdinasir Mohamed
Somalilandpress
Mogadishu-Somalia

Somalia: Airline Hijacked in Bosaso

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BOSASO, 3 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – an Antonov airline operated by Daallo Airlines on a flight from Bosaso to Djibouti was briefly hijacked by two armed men on Monday afternoon. The two men withdraw guns minutes after the plane carrying around 30 passengers took off from Bosaso airport. The hijackers demanded to be flown to Las Qoray, a coastal town in eastern Somaliland.

The passengers confronted with the hijackers in the plane while the pilots managed to lock the cockpit and made an emergency landing in Bosaso while the fighting between passengers and hijackers still went on.

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Upon landing, they were met by Puntland police who opened fire on them wounding one of the hijackers before both men were arrested and number of others believed to have assisted them.

According to local reports, the hijackers wanted to kidnap two German journalists who were on board the plane. They intended to take them to Las Qoray’s vast vegetation and dense forest for randsom.

The airline later resumed its flight back to Djibouti safely after the hijackers were arrested.

In the past a number of foreign nationals were kidnapped in and around the port of Bosaso.

Source: Somalilandpress

Buhoodle Tribal Leaders Pursue Insanity Defense In Weekend Blast

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Buhodle, 3 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — At a press conference in Buhodle in the Sool region, tribal elders said that a man who recently claimed responsible for the weekend roadside bombs that killed two military personnel and wounded four civilians in Las Anod is insane.

The town elders, Garad Saleban Burale and Ahdar said the man who claimed responsible for the weekend blast consented to complete insanity and was not capable of such act. They have also denied the existence of Jabarti National Movement “JNM”, a new group the man has claimed to have created to fight Somaliland forces in the region.

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The man was named as Burale Yusuf, called one of the local radio stations same day as the blasts claiming to have carried out the attack that killed Somaliland infantry commander in Las Anod.

The following morning Somaliland forces led by colonel Ahmed Mohamed Adan raided one of the houses in Buhodle where Burale is believed to be staying;  they tried to seize him but according to reports he escaped with minor injuries from a back door. Three civilians were wounded during the raid.

Garad Saleban condemned the act and said his town has no connection with the attack and urged the civilians to maintain peace in the region and not to associate themselves with as what he described as “groups with self-interest” referring to a number of tribal organizations based around Buhodle and the neighboring Puntland.

Source: Somalilandpress

Somaliland-Ethiopian Colleges Merge

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Hargeisa, 3 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — On Sunday, November 1st, Lucy University College marked the opening of its new campus in Somaliland’s capital with ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place in Mansor Hotel.

New Horizon College, an Information Technology college invited Lucy University, an Ethiopian-based private institution to Somaliland and in early August the two institutions signed an agreement to merge.

New Horizon College was set up by Somaliland students who had studied in India and offered mainly IT and English courses. The merger with Lucy University has allowed the new institution to offer a wide range of courses, research programs and study options in four faculties; Economics, Management & Mathematics, Law and Computers.
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University provost Mr. Khadir Hussein was on hand at the ceremony to share his enthusiasm about the establishment. As one of the driving forces he recalls how their drive originally started, “many students are not so lucky when it comes to pursuing a complete education and so we reached out for Lucy University.” Mr Khadir, who owns a construction firm in Ethiopia, said they took advantage of the fact that Somaliland has ties with Ethiopia.

Professor Mohamed Abdullahi Duale, vice-president of Hargeisa campus, also addressed students, faculty, and guests about the new tertiary and how it was different to the existing ones. As well as offering undergraduate courses in four faculties the university will also offer diploma courses in IT and multimedia and language courses in the near future. Lucy_university

Professor Abdi Ali Adan, dean of economic faculty, also emphasized the need for students to be equipped with both knowledge and technical skills, and the personal attributes that allow them to achieve their career aspirations and excel in the world of business.

Other individuals who spoke on the conference included Muna Hussein Khalif, the president of Somaliland Academic Women Empowerment, who expressed optimism about the days ahead and the role women play in education in Somaliland society. She said she welcomes the new university and encourages girls to pursue higher education.

Other honorable guests included eng. Mohamed Hashi Elmi, UDUB party chairman, Mr Omar Jama Farah, vice-minister of Economy, Mr Abdulkarim Mohamed Muse, veteran Mr Osman awr Liqe, students, business executives and many others.

Other Ethiopian universities in Somaliland include Admas University College and Addis Ababa Medical College.

Source: Somalilandpress

Djibouti to send peacekeepers to Somalia despite threats

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MOGADISHU, 3 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) –The government of Djibouti has announced that it will send peacekeepers to Somalia as part of AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

The interior minister of Djibouti Yasin Ilmi Buh said that his country
had prepared troops to be deployed to Somalia saying that the threats
by Al-Shabab Islamic Movement will not change their decision to send
troops to Somalia.
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He further said that his government expects these troops to take part
in the restoration of security and peace in Somalia.

He stressed that the army of his country would defend against any
attacks from the insurgents in Somalia and will do their best efforts
in stabilizing the country.

On the other hand the government of Djibouti has appointed its
ambassador to Somalia for the first time since the fall of former
central government of Somalia on 1991.

A ceremony to welcome a new ambassador from Djibouti to Somalia and
relaunching Djibouti embassy has been held at the presidential palace
known as Villa Somalia in Mogadishu on Monday.

The Somali Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Jama Jengeli spoke at the
ceremony, saying his government is warmly welcoming the new ambassador
and pledges to work with him.

The new Djibouti ambassador, Mr Dayib Dubad Roble, has said at the
ceremony that he was happy to be in Somalia on behalf of his country.
He said Djibouti is always determined to support Somali people and the
Transitional Federal Government of Somalia.

The Djibouti embassy, which was opened in Mogadishu, will be among the few other foreign embassies opened in the country recently including Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Somalia has not had an effective government since 1991 and Ahmed’s
administration holds only a few blocks in Mogadishu, with support from
the peacekeepers.

The U.S. considers Al-Shabab a terrorist organization and accuses it
of harboring suspects in the 1998 bombing of the American embassies in the
Kenyan and Tanzanian capitals.

By Abdinasir Mohamed
Email: abdinasir4@gmail.com
Mogadishu-Somalia

Source: Somalilandpress

Somaliland: Seven Suspects arrested for Yesterday's Attack

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Las Anod, 2 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Seven people were arrested in connection with yesterday’s roadside bomb that killed Somaliland military commander in Las Anod.

The State Minister of Interior, Mr. Farhan Jama told the BBC that the suspects are civilians from the city and are  suspected of having ties with those who carried out the attacks. “They will be questioned” he said.

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“The city is under curfew at the moment and we are working hard to identify the perpetrators” he said. “They were Somaliland’s enemy of course” he concluded.

The minister did not give any further details and said they will wait the results of an ongoing investigations.

In other parts of east Somaliland, forces have been put on high-alert and threat levels were elevated.

Somalilandpress

Somaliland: The Alshabaab Beast Struck Again

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HARGEISA, 2 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Last year, on October 29, 2008 Alshabaab terror group carried out a devastating terrorist attack against Somaliland. Over twenty-two Somaliland citizens—not Ethiopians or foreigners—perished in the blast. The majority of Somalilanders have never seen anything but peace because they were born after the brutal war against Somaliland ended in the early 90s. However, in October 29, 2009, they were shocked, dismayed, and traumatized. Alshabaab shattered their oasis of peace and tranquility. A new dawn of combating against terrorism with very little resource has begun. http://somalilandpress.com/9337/somaliland-a-year-from-the-terror-attack“>

Today, Alshabaab more than ever before gains a strong hold in Somaliland. Partially thanks to the U.S. efforts to blindly arm the current Somali regime which in return arms Alshabaab. See how the U.S. weapons are giving Alshabaab the upper hand: <a href=”http://tinyurl.com/ykpox2s“>

Again, in November 01, 2009 without a warning, the beast struck again. Callously and cowardly, Alshabaab sent shockwaves throughout Somaliland. Unknown to Somaliland streets, a new terror warfare of roadside bombs ripped through the streets of Las Annod, the provincial capital of Sool region in Somaliland. The blast sent shockwaves throughout the peaceful city of Las Annod; its residents were not sure whether they were in Mogadishu or in Las Annod.

The Alshabaab cowards targeted Somaliland top officials in the region. Mr. Osman Yusuf, the commander of Somaliland’s 12th infantry division was the prime target. And Alshabaab murdered the brave commander instantly. He died on the spot after remote controlled bombs were detonated against Somaliland forces passing through the city. <a href=”http://somalilandpress.com/9398/somaliland-roadside-bomb-kills-official-in-lasanod“> But is Alshabaab alone in its terrorist attack against peaceful Somaliland?

The answer to Alshabaab’s increased murder rate in Somaliland lies squarely within the enemies of Somaliland. That is, Gen. Mohammed Said Hersi Morgan—the butcher of Hargaisa, Somaliland capital— the violent NSUM and the pro-Puntland group from Sool region of Somaliland.

Gen. Morgan who commanded the Somali National Army the 26th division which was stationed in the North [Somaliland] before the collapse of the Somali regime in late 90s attended a meeting convened in Nairobi by the violent NSUM and the pro-Puntland group from Sool region, in October 2009. See a brief introduction of Gen. Morgan (or Gen. Murderer) and his involvement in the Nairobi meeting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammed_Said_Hersi_Morgan http://www.lasanod.com/details.php?num=2917“>

Little do most of people know that Gen. Morgan’s forces are already fighting in Kismanyo region of Southern Somalia under the guise of Islamic group: Hizbul Islam. Now, he wants to shore up support for the new pro-Puntland group and in return he wants a militia from Sool region to join his violent Hizbul Islam militia in Kismanyo—a militia that eventually will wage suicide attacks against Somaliland officials. http://tinyurl.com/ycyabxy“>

Meanwhile, the former Puntland vice presidential candidate, Saleban Ahmed Isse and Col. Ali Hassan Sabarey, a former commander of the brutal SNA, were elected as president and vice president of the new pro-Puntland group formed in Nairobi. Shockingly, despite violence consuming the rest of the Somali world, the primary objective of the conference was to wage a war or a Jihad against Somaliland security forces in Sool region.

Mr. Isse, who lives in Toronto, the heart of Canada, calls for a deadly war against Somaliland security forces. Shamelessly, he instigates a tribal warfare between Somaliland tribes. He even invites the wider Darood tribe of Somalia to fight against Somaliland. Listen to his interview: <a href=”http://tinyurl.com/yhvpxm4“>

Similarly, Garaad (a tribal chief) Jama Garad Ali from Sool, a participant in the meeting, threatened to wage a war against Somaliland if it doesn’t leave the region. He stated unambiguously, “We must fight against Somaliland by any means necessary”. Well, the first roadside bomb has been delivered successfully. And welcome to Las Annod, the new Mogadishu of Somaliland. Listened to the Garaad’s interview:

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Additionally, just like Alshabaab, the NSUM’s terror attacks against Somaliland were first reported in 2008. In the past, the NSUM admitted that its military wing led by Col. Cabdul Casiis´s (Garam Garam)—one of the henchmen of Gen. Morgan—launched grenade attacks against police station, in Las Annod, in 2008. In this attack, two innocent police officers were wounded. See the details of what NSUM is all about and its violent terror campaign against Somaliland, in my article entitled, “Somalia: When NSUM’s “Mission Report” Fails “The” Mission”.
http://www.worldsentinel.com/articles/view/102889
Also, some people argue that the NSUM closely works with Alshabaab to destabilize Somaliland. And as stated clearly in the following article, the NSUM of course collaborates with Alshabaab. The article states, “NSUM waxay aaminsanaayeen…in Jaal dhaw oo dahsoon lala noqodo Xarakooyinka dagaalka…or the NSUM advocates for working closely with Alshabaab (Xarakooyinka)”. http://tinyurl.com/ybcmg9t“>

In fact, a new organization called Jabarti National Movement (JNM) claimed the terrorist attacks against Somaliland security forces in Las Annod. The leader of the NJM, Buraale Yusuf states that his group fights along with NSUM to destabilize Somaliland forces and both groups are responding to the meeting held in Nairobi recently. But actually, no other group other than Alshabaab is sophisticated enough to carry out roadside bombs. So this group either works with Alshabaab or receives training from Alshabaab.
http://www.radiodaljir.com/audio/martisoor/buraaleNov01.ram“>

Shockingly, the current Somali regime, Puntland, and Alshabaab cannot agree on anything; but they agree on one and only one thing: Somaliland must not succeed in its quest for independence. That is, whether it is a terrorist attack or a massive earthquake that halts its independence, Somaliland must not succeed.

The unholy coalition between Alshabaab, Gen. Morgan, and NSUM coupled with U.S. naïve policy of arming only the current Somali regime which in turn arms Alshabaab while U.S. inadvertently leaves Somaliland vulnerable to attacks, indeed bears fruits—poisonous combination.

What the U.S. needs to understand is: arming Alshabaab unintentionally gives this terror group the upper hand and compromises Somaliland’s security. Clearly, now the balance has shifted in favour of Alshabaab. This is something the United States never intended to happen.

What now? It is never too late, is it? The United States of America has the responsibility to stamp out Alshabaab. But the strategy to contain this terror group has never succeeded partially because as it seems to be the U.S. always takes the wrong side. And just like a boomerang, its naïve policy comes back to haunt the U.S.

In an open warfare, Somaliland forces could annihilate Alshabaab terrorists. But in terror warfare, Somaliland lacks: the resource, training, and experience to combat terrorism. This is something that Alshabaab is fully aware of; and this is where the U.S. support is desperately needed.

Somaliland people will not succumb to Alshabaab’s demand. Whether they get help from the International community to fight Alshabaab terrorists or not, Somalilanders will resiliently recover from the devastating terrorist attack that took the life of the commander of Somaliland’s 12th infantry division, Mr. Osman Yusuf. My God bless his soul. He didn’t die in vain. And the terrorist cowards who murdered him will sooner or later face justice.

Dalmar Kaahin
dalmar_k@yahoo.com

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Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial

Somaliland: a beacon of hope – Ethiopian Foreign Affairs

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Press Release from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa, 2 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — There was more positive news coming out of Somaliland this week. It is to be recalled that a short while ago, the political situation in Somaliland was a source of great concern. There was a real possibility for Somaliland to loose the stability and peace that it has managed to maintain for the last decade and a half. These would have been tragic and unfortunate and out of character for Somaliland political elites. It is to be recalled also that previously Somaliland politicians had demonstrated great wisdom and skill to avoid political crisis. For instance, the last Presidential election which was won by President Riyale could easily have led to serious conflict between the major political parities because the margin of victory by the ruling party was only 80 votes. Nonetheless this did not lead to violence or political instability in Somaliland.

This time in the run-up to the next presidential contest, sharp disagreements emerged between the ruling party and the two opposition parties, in particular over matters surrounding the system of voter registration and the extension of the presidential term until election is held. After protracted negotiations, and with the support of Ethiopia and the United Kingdom both of which sent delegations to Hargeisa, the three parties finally signed an agreement resolving most of the outstanding issue.

Now they have also managed to nominate new members to the electoral commission and this have been approved by the parliament. This paves the way for the holding of successful elections shortly. This latest development can be seen as a demonstration of the common sense of Somaliland’s political class, showing their willingness to put the interests of Somaliland first.

It also underlines the value of addressing any problem that may arise through dialogue and discussion. The point was emphasized by the fact that yesterday (October 29, 2009) was the anniversary of the three Al-Shabaab suicide car bombs which exploded in Hargeisa a year ago, leaving 24 dead and over 30 injured at the UNDP office, the Ethiopian Trade Office and the Presidential Palace.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.

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