Al-Shabaab militants armed with weapons. Photo/AP
By Daisy Okiring
The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced that three senior Al-Shabaab leaders were killed in an airstrike in the Hiran region, in an operation conducted with international partners.
In a statement, NISA identified the slain leaders as Abdullahi Hassan Omar, also known as Amniyad Hirshabelle, a finance department member named Osaam, and commanders Qudaame Dheere and Abdul Ladhiif. The agency said the operation, carried out in the Shaw area of Hiran, targeted a facility where the militants were gathered.
“The forces specifically targeted a centre where these leaders were located, eliminating all these leaders and approximately 10 members of the terrorist militia,” NISA confirmed.
The agency added that the mission was part of the federal government’s wider campaign — in partnership with Somali citizens and international allies — to eliminate Al-Shabaab, whom it refers to as Khawarij.
Broader counterterrorism efforts
The strike comes amid intensified security operations across Somalia, where joint Somali and allied forces have recaptured key territories from Al-Shabaab in recent months. Previous offensives in Lower Shabelle and Galmudug have killed dozens of militants, though the group continues to stage deadly attacks, including suicide bombings and ambushes on military bases.
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NISA emphasised that degrading Al-Shabaab’s leadership and financial networks is central to weakening the group’s operations. Somali officials have urged continued international support, citing the militants’ ability to regroup when pressure eases.
US reaffirms commitment to Somalia’s stability
Meanwhile, Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign received fresh backing from the United States. On Wednesday, the new commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, visited Mogadishu and pledged sustained support for security operations.
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“Gen. Anderson met Somali, US and African Union Mission leaders during his first visit since assuming command, reaffirming America’s commitment to Somalia’s security and regional stability,” AFRICOM said in a statement on X.
The Somali government has vowed to continue targeting Al-Shabaab leaders while simultaneously working with local communities to cut off recruitment and financing channels.
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