UPDATE: Defence Minister Abdirashid Mohamed joins army chief in exit

Defence Minister Abdirashid A. Mohamed has resigned following a similar move by chief forces Gen. Ahmed Mohamed Irfid both of whom have served barely six months since they were appointed.

Information Minister Abdirahman Yarisow told reporters the minister resigned out of personal reasons but did not indicate circumstances surrounding Gen. Irfid’s resignation only noting, ‘he resigned and he was replaced.

Mohamed was the first defense minister in Prime Minister Hassan Khaire’s administration which came into office March this year.

Both Mohamed and Gen. Irfid pointed fingers at the government over communication mishap during the August Bariire killings in which the government admitted the army killed 10 civilians. Both Villa Somalia and the Information Minister Abdirahman Yarisow had to withdraw statements which had suggested the victims were members of the militant group Al-Shabaab.

Defense Minister Mohamed and army chief Gen. Irfid affirmed the victims were civilians and had been killed by security forces.

More to follow