Abdulahi Sheik Ismael Fara-Tag

Colonel Abdulahi Sheik Ismael (Fara-Tag) (Cabdullaahi Sheekh Ismaaciil [Farataag]) is a commander in the army of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of the Republic of Somalia. On November 5, there were reports of the "unlocking" (presumably, the beginning) of training of 1,300 Ahlu Suna Wal Jama'a clerics in Bardhere to fight on behalf of the JVA/TFG. These recruits were to replace the losses suffered by the JVA in October. The number began as 700, but rapidly increased to 1,300. Col. Fara-Tag was reported to explain, "They are volunteers attending to defend their territory from the invasion of foreigners alongside the Islamic courts."