MOGADISHU, Somalia — The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working alongside international partners, carried out a targeted airstrike in the El-Ba’ad area of the Middle Shabelle region, killing several Al-Shabaab militants, including a key commander, Yusuf Dheg-naas, authorities said Saturday.
NISA confirmed the strike resulted in the death of Dheg-naas, who was responsible for overseeing Al-Shabaab’s operations in the El-Ba’ad area of Middle Shabelle region.
The agency also reported the destruction of several combat vehicles used by the terrorist group during the operation.
Dheg-naas had reportedly been involved in extorting money from residents, further terrorizing the community, according to NISA.
The operation, which is still ongoing, has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 20 Al-Shabaab fighters. Several military vehicles have also been destroyed.
NISA forces, alongside the Somali National Army and supported by international partners, have ramped up their efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab, which the Somali government designates as a violent extremist organization.
