CRIME WATCH: August, 2015 records of death toll stands at 190
Despite efforts by the Somali government to beef up security in the country, the death toll in the last four months has gradually gone up.
The casualty sequences as of May, June, July and August are 82, 144, 161 and 190 respectively.
In light of this, under our monthly Crime Watch Project we document the killings and numbers of those injured this month, the project seeks to promote justice and constitutional rights of the citizens.
We may not be able to document all the killings or cases of injuries due to the scarce resources and sometimes lack of access to the affected areas in the country. Lack of basic institutions in the country such as hospitals, mortuaries and police services which ideally gather such information are also an impediment to getting accurate and up to date data.
According to our records, 190 people were killed and 35 others wounded in the month of August 2015.
The demographic distribution of the victims is diverse including AMISOM soldiers, government officials, business people, journalists and ordinary people among others.
The following is the chronology of events in the month of July:
August 3, 2015:Unidentified young armed with pistols have gunned down well known traditional elder named Haybe Abdi Warsame at Bur-Salah locality in Mudug region.
August 3, 2015:Janaale chief Abdikadir Ibrahim Sheikh Ali was killed by unknown gunmen according to Marka Administration.
August 4, 2015:One of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) workers was killed in Jamar-jajab district as confirmed by the district commissioner, Ahmed Osman Dhere.
August 7, 2015:A person who was reportedly preparing improvised explosive device (IED) has died in the house whose occupiers are said to be Al-Shabab sympathizers.
Spokesperson for security ministry, Mohamed Yussuf said that the house is seized by Somali government especially NISA. There are underway investigations on suspects arrested from the house.
“NISA has foiled attacks after the soldiers raided Al-Shabab members who were preparing improvised explosive device in a house, the group intended to target the civilians but fortunately their plan was aborted” he said.
August 8, 2015:At least six people including traditional elders have been confirmed dead and four injured after Ethiopian soldiers opened fire on a car they were travelling in on their way to funeral service at Halgan locality, Hiran region.
August 8, 2015:At least three people died after two clan militias battled in the outskirt of Marko town, Lower Shabelle.
August 9, 2015: The death of person has been confirmed and four others wounded including three with serious injuries after the breakaway Somaliland’s policemen allegedly opened fire on civilians in Hargeisa town.
August 10, 2015:At least one person has been confirmed dead and five other sustained injuries after bomb went off inside a tearoom at Halgan location which lies 75km south of Baledwein town.
August 11, 2015: Somali National Army has claimed victory over Al-Shabab after its soldiers engaged fighting with Al-Shabab fighters at Buq-Aqable locality.
The military commanders said that their soldiers have killed more than 98 fighters.
August 11, 2015:Somaliland army officer shot and killed a military Brigadier who was his superior, wounding another in deadly shooting in Awdal regional capital of Borama of north-western Somalia.
Awdal Governor, Mohamud Ali Saleban confirmed the death of late Brigadier Farah Arale and serious injuries sustained by another military official, Hassan Agle Ali on VOA Somali Service. Saleban said, Ali who is charge of western regiments is in critical condition.
August 11, 2015:Improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at the gate of SIMAD University and no casualties were reported.
August 12, 2015:African Union Military [AMISOM] armored vehicle hit and injured seriously a man who was riding a scooter on the Mogadishu’s industrial road.
The incident came after AMISOM armoured vehicle passed on wrong lane due to traffic jam on the road leading the vehicle to suddenly hit the scooter.
The victim named as Abdiweli Abukar Abdulle, 25 was rushed to one of Hodan district’s hospital.
August 13, 2015: Unidentified gunmen armed with pistols have gunned down a well known trader in Bulla-Mareer locality.
Saeed Kurumba was shot dead on his way to his home by unknown people, residents confirm.
A resident in Bulla-Marer who declined to give his name for fear of reprisals said