Garowe, Puntland — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Saturday inaugurated roads in Garowe and renamed the city's public square in honour of General Qalyare, a senior military commander killed while leading operations against ISIS-Somalia.
The road project, supported by the World Bank, forms part of Puntland's broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and public services.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, President Deni described the projects as the beginning of a wider infrastructure development agenda across Puntland.
"This is a good beginning. I hope that the infrastructure needs of all Puntland communities will gradually be met, that ongoing projects will be completed, and that new ones will be launched," President Deni said.
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The event was attended by cabinet ministers, members of the Puntland House of Representatives and officials from Nugaal region and Garowe district among others.
General Qalyare was killed after a landmine planted by ISIS-Somalia exploded while leading military operations in the Dhasaan area of the Almiskad mountains.
He was regarded as one of the leading commanders in Puntland's offensive against ISIS and headed the elite Duufaan (Storm) Battalion.
The military campaign, which has continued for nearly a year, has enabled Puntland forces to recapture significant territory previously held by ISIS fighters. Officials say General Qalyare played a pivotal role in directing the offensive, and his death underscored the continuing risks faced by security forces as they pursue extremist groups operating in remote mountainous areas.