MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working in coordination with international partners, has carried out planned operations targeting Al-Shabaab fighters and commanders in the central regions of Hiiraan and Mudug, killing more than 22 members of the armed group, officials said.
In a statement, NISA said the operations were aimed at disrupting militant cells accused of organising attacks against civilians and government targets.
The first strike took place in the Dumaaye area of Mudug region, where security forces targeted a gathering site used by senior Al-Shabaab figures and fighters.
The agency said about 15 militants were killed, including several local commanders identified as Hudeyfa Galinle, described as an aide to the group’s Mudug representative known as Qataatow, and Abdirahman Garwayne, accused of overseeing recruitment and indoctrination activities in the Jowle area.
Officials added that Dahir, alleged to have been responsible for collecting extortion payments in Dumaaye and nearby Dabagalo, and Cabdiwali, a former militia commander in Bacaadweyne, were also among those killed.
In a separate operation in Maxaas district of Hiiraan region, intelligence forces targeted two houses where fighters were said to be providing security for Mustaf Caato, identified by authorities as a senior Al-Shabaab militia leader in the area.
NISA said seven additional militants were killed in the raid, including two figures described as key financial operatives, Qaliif Muumin Sabriya and Osman Abdulle Farah. Vehicles used by the group’s commanders were also destroyed during the operation.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts by the Somali government and its international partners to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity, strengthen security in central Somalia and prevent attacks against civilians, officials said.
