In a dramatic turn of events, Yusuf Abdi Ali, infamously known as “Tukeh,” has returned to Lasanod, Somalia after being deported from the U.S. due to his involvement in heinous human rights abuses during the 1988 Somali conflict. The now 71-year-old colonel once led the Fifth Brigade of the Somali National Army, notorious for his cruel nickname, “Kill All But Crows,” derived from his brutal actions against civilians in the Hargeisa and Burao regions.
His return comes after a U.S. court found him guilty of torture and extrajudicial killings, detailing extensive human rights violations committed during his military tenure. Arrested in November 2022, Ali was sentenced by a Department of Justice judge, resulting in a removal order executed by ICE on December 20, 2024. Russell Hott from ICE stated the U.S. will not provide refuge for human rights offenders, underscoring a commitment to justice for victims of such atrocities.
Upon arriving in Lasanod, Tukeh was greeted enthusiastically by clan members, reaffirming his community ties. Ali expressed his appreciation for his supporters over the years and proclaimed his contentment to return, emboldened by his sentiments of freedom and allegiance to the local army. His case underscores the ongoing efforts of the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center in the U.S., working to identify and remove perpetrators of serious crimes from American soil.
Yusuf Abdi Ali, also known as “Tukeh,” was deported from the U.S. for committing severe human rights abuses during the 1988 Somali conflict. His removal was part of broader efforts to deal with human rights violators globally. Upon his return to Lasanod, he was welcomed by his clan, reflecting community support despite his controversial past. This highlights the U.S.’s commitment to denying safe haven for human rights offenders.
Yusuf Abdi Ali’s deportation resonates as a testament to international justice efforts aimed at confronting human rights violators. His return to Lasanod, greeted with support by his community, raises significant questions about accountability and the legacy of past atrocities. As a reflection of broader U.S. policy, this case highlights the importance of addressing historical injustices while also seeking closure for the victims involved.
The case of Yusuf Abdi Ali illustrates the grave complexities of human rights violations alongside the legal and moral battles in the U.S. against such crimes. The Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center was established to hold accountable those who perpetrate genocide and torture. Tukeh’s actions during the Somalia conflict left a legacy of suffering, and his return to Somalia is both a denouement for his victims and a troubling reminder of the past atrocities that continue to haunt communities.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
