Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency has said it carried out a targeted operation against Al Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region, killing a number of senior figures within the armed group.
In a statement cited by media, the agency said the operation took place near Maha Saed and targeted a meeting attended by Al Shabaab leaders who were allegedly planning attacks and coercing local communities into providing support.
The intelligence agency said 13 members of the group were killed during the operation, including five senior figures identified as Moalim Aseyr, Moalim Muhumed Ahmed Hassan, Sheikh Ali Guuraale, Abdirahman Sheikh Ali Dhegey, and Moalim Adey.
According to the statement, the individuals were involved in directing armed operations across several regions, including Middle Shabelle, Galgaduud, and Bay.
The agency added that up to eight additional members of the group, including three senior figures, were seriously injured during the raid.
Somalia’s information minister said the operation had disrupted planned attacks across three provinces, describing it as a significant blow to Al Shabaab’s operational capacity.
Al Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government for more than 16 years and has regularly targeted security forces, government officials, and civilians across the country.
Since mid last year, Somali forces have intensified operations against the group with support from African Union forces and international partners. The African Union support mission’s mandate was renewed by the UN Security Council in December, extending its authorisation for another year.