Somalia Military Eliminates Al-Shabaab Leaders in Major Operation

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced the killing of 13 members of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabaab, including five of its senior leaders, during a coordinated operation in the vicinity of Maha Saed in the Middle Shabelle region.

In a statement, NISA said the operation was carried out after intelligence revealed that the group’s leaders were holding a meeting to plan terrorist attacks and coerce local communities into providing forced support.

According to the agency, intelligence forces successfully thwarted the planned attacks, neutralising the suspects at the scene before they could carry out their objectives.

NISA identified the slain leaders as Moalim Aseyr, Moalim Muhumed Ahmed Hassan, Sheikh Ali Guuraale, Abdirahman Sheikh Ali Dhegey, and Moalim Adey. The agency said the individuals were responsible for orchestrating terrorist operations across the Middle Shabelle, Galgaduud, and Bay regions.

The agency added that at least eight other militants, including three leaders, were seriously injured during the operation.

NISA said the targeted operation disrupted planned terrorist activities across three regions and dealt a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity.

Al-Shabaab has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, government officials, and civilians.

Since July last year, the Somali National Army, with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, has intensified operations against the group.

The AU mission’s mandate was renewed by the United Nations Security Council in December, extending its authorization until December 31.