דיווח: אבא של חברת הקונגרס אילהאן עומאר היה קולונל בסומליה תחת הדיקטטור סיאד בארה בזמן שהוא טבח בשבט Isaaq ורצח כ-200 אלף איש

He joined the Somali National Army after obtaining a military education in Russia, Faraton said. Thousands of Somali students in that decade received scholarships from the Soviet Union to train as medical doctors, technicians and military specialists.

When he returned to Somalia, Nur began his climb in the military hierarchy, eventually becoming a colonel. During the 1977-1978 Somali-Ethiopian war, he led a regiment, Faraton said. “Nur played a significant role in the war,” he added. “He was one of the officers who were recognized for their work.”