Garowe (Puntland Mirror) – Veteran Puntland military commander General Ahmed Abdi Cali, also known as General Qalyare, was killed on Tuesday in a landmine blast in the Al-Miskaat mountains of Bari region, military sources confirmed to Puntland Mirror.
Qalyare, who led the Duufaan Battalion and coordinated Puntland’s operations against ISIS (Daesh), died alongside his driver when their vehicle struck a landmine, the sources said.
He had a long military career, serving in the Somali National Army during Siyaad Barre’s regime, and later as the army commander in Awdal region. Over the years, he played a key role in defending Puntland’s administration and consistently led troops on the frontlines against insurgent groups.
In 2023, as commander of the Duufaan Battalion, Qalyare took a leading role in the campaign that pushed Somaliland forces out of Sool region.
Hundreds of civilians, former officials, and current leaders have taken to social media to condole his death.
A national funeral is scheduled for Wednesday in Garoowe, where his body will be brought for burial, officials said.
