Tuesday , June 16, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -The Federal Government of Somalia has dismissed Lieutenant Colonel Aadan Jeelle Cali, who served as the commander of the 23rd Battalion of the Military Police, and appointed a new commander in a wider security leadership reshuffle.
Colonel Abdullahi Osman Jimcale has been appointed as the new Commander of the 23rd Battalion of the Military Police of the Somali National Army, replacing Aadan Jeelle who has been dismissed from the position.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly begun a series of dismissals targeting security officials accused of lacking loyalty during recent tensions between the government and opposition forces in Mogadishu.
Sources familiar with the matter say the decision follows allegations that Lt. Col. Jeelle refused to carry out certain military directives during heightened political tensions earlier in June.
reports claim that on June 4, Jeelle declined to participate in an operation allegedly targeting former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, instead redeploying his forces to the Qoob-dooro airfield area.
He is also accused of refusing orders related to the pursuit of armed individuals linked to Abdullahi Mohamed Noor, who were reportedly being tracked by government forces toward Cadale. His alleged refusal to execute these instructions is said to have contributed to the decision to remove him from command.
The Federal Government of Somalia has not issued an official detailed explanation beyond confirming the leadership change.
The development comes amid heightened political and security tensions in Mogadishu following recent clashes involving government forces and opposition-aligned groups.