JOWHAR, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said Saturday that its forces, backed by international partners, had killed nine Al-Shabab militants, including two senior commanders, in a planned operation near the central town of Jowhar.
The operation was carried out in the Warciise area, about 25 kilometres (15 miles) from Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle region, NISA said in a statement.
Among those killed were Ahmed Ali Jimcaale, whom NISA identified as Al-Shabab’s commander responsible for Jowhar district, and Geedi Mohamed Nur Adde, described by the agency as a senior commander overseeing the group’s activities in the Dumaaye and Dabagaalo areas.
NISA said the two commanders had been monitored for some time, with intelligence gathered on their movements and activities before the operation was launched.
Seven other Al-Shabab members were also killed, according to the agency. They were identified as members of the group’s so-called Hisba unit operating in the Warciise area.
NISA said the operation was conducted as planned and inflicted what it described as a major blow on Al-Shabab, although the agency did not provide further details about the nature of the operation or identify the international partners involved.
The agency said the operation formed part of wider efforts to weaken Al-Shabab by targeting its commanders and dismantling networks used to organize attacks and other acts of insecurity.
Al-Shabab, which has been waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade, remains capable of carrying out deadly attacks despite sustained military operations against it.
The group controls or maintains a presence in parts of central and southern Somalia and has repeatedly targeted government forces, civilians and military bases. It also carries out attacks in the capital Mogadishu and other major towns.
Jowhar and surrounding areas have been the scene of repeated military operations as Somali forces seek to prevent Al-Shabab from regaining ground and disrupting key transport routes in Middle Shabelle.
The Somali government has in recent years stepped up operations against the group, supported by international partners and airstrikes, while working to gradually assume greater responsibility for national security.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, has also continued supporting Somali security forces as the country prepares for a transition toward greater reliance on its own military and security institutions.
Saturday’s announcement comes amid continuing efforts by Somali authorities to target Al-Shabab’s leadership and operational networks, which officials say are central to the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks.
NISA did not say whether any government forces were killed or wounded in the operation.
