Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced that its special forces have killed Mohamed Abdi Dhiblaawe Afrax, a senior Al-Shabaab commander, during a planned operation in Ugunji, Lower Shabelle region.
According to NISA, Afrax was the mastermind behind the failed assassination attempt targeting the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on March 18, 2025.
Details of the March 18 Attack on the Presidential Convoy
At approximately 10:32 a.m. on March 18, the Presidential convoy came under attack near Ceel-gaabta junction in Xamar-Jajab district, Mogadishu.
President Mohamud was en route to the airport to join frontline troops in Hirshabelle when the assault occurred.
The Ministry of Information later confirmed that the attack was foiled and that the President arrived safely at his destination.
The strike, claimed by Al-Shabaab, resulted in civilian casualties, including deaths and injuries.
International Condemnation and Support for Somalia
The attempted assassination drew swift international condemnation.
The Arab League called it a “blatant attack,” while the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) described it as a “heinous act.”
Both organizations reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s fight against terrorism.
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NISA to Release More Details About the Killing of Senior Al-Shabaab Commander
NISA hailed the killing of Afrax as a significant step in ensuring accountability for terrorist crimes in Somalia.
The agency also pledged to release additional details about the operation in the coming days.
Security analysts say the elimination of such a high-profile figure underscores Somalia’s intensified counter-terrorism operations in Lower Shabelle and beyond.
