Sheik Hassan Turkey Passes Away

Sheik Hassan Abdulle Hersi Aka Turkey one the most prominen rebel leaders in Somalia has passed away according to family members and Alshabab spokesman, who was harboring the ailing 80 years old Islamic commander.

On June 3, 2004, Al-Turki was designated, under US Presidential Executive Order 13224, for terrorist financing. He later became a military leader of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), and was in charge of the Dhobley district situated near the North Eastern Province. He also led ICU forces in the taking of Jubaland.

He was later targeted in a US fighter jet strike on March 2, 2008. US fighter jets struck the southern Somali town of Dobley. The bombings by the AC-130 gunships targeted two homes in the town that were allegedly visited by Turki, who is believed to have ties to al-Qaeda.,

In June 2012, the US state department offered $3m (£1.9m, 2.5m euros) for information leading to his capture.

He has been ill for years now, and has not been heard about him as he was under Alshabab guard in which he held no official position, but they considered him as spiritual leader.

Goobjoog News