In a major counterterrorism breakthrough, Somali security forces, in collaboration with intelligence services, successfully neutralized 45 al-Shabaab militants during targeted operations in Hiran and Lower Shabelle regions.
Among those killed was a senior commander responsible for orchestrating mortar attacks in Mogadishu since 2023, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
Hiran Airstrike Kills Top al-Shabaab Leader
The operations involved six precision airstrikes carried out in the El-Hareeri area of Hiran between Tuesday afternoon and early Wednesday morning.
The strikes targeted hideouts used by al-Shabaab operatives.
Resulting in the deaths of both high-ranking leaders and field fighters.
The Somali government refers to al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, as “Khawarij,” a term used to describe extremist rebels.
Operation Near Sabib Town
According to regional security official Ahmed Mohamud, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were deployed to locate and strike the militants’ position.
The intelligence-led assault marked a coordinated effort to dismantle al-Shabaab’s operational command in central and southern Somalia.
NISA confirmed that the top al-Shabaab leader who overseen mortar attacks on Mogadishu was among those killed.
Read also: Ahmed Moalim Fiqi: 120 from al-Shabaab Militants Were Killed
Why Targeting This Top al-Shabaab Leader is Important?
This high-value target was eliminated during a planned operation near Sabib town in the Lower Shabelle region, a known stronghold for the terrorist group.
Somalia continues to face significant threats from militant organizations such as al-Shabaab and ISIS (Daesh).
These groups have destabilized the region through frequent attacks on government installations, security forces, and civilians.
Over 16 Years of Terrorism in Somalia
Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, aiming to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Despite sustained efforts to eliminate the group, it remains a persistent security challenge.
This latest operation that targeted top al-Shabaab leader demonstrates the Somali government’s ongoing commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring stability through advanced intelligence coordination and international support.
