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Al-Shabaab Intelligence Chief Killed in Joint NISA Operation in Jilib

Storyline:Security, War on Al-Shabaab

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has said that a planned joint operation with international partners in the southern town of Jilib killed Abdullah Hashi Labajir, also known as Ikhlaas, Al-Shabaab’s intelligence chief.

NISA said the operation took place on Aug. 23 in Jilib district in the Middle Juba region and targeted Ikhlaas, whom it described as one of the militant group’s most senior leaders.

Ikhlaas had led Al-Shabaab’s intelligence wing since 2013, NISA said, making him one of the group’s longest-serving senior officials.

The operation was carried out with international partners, NISA said, without providing further details. Jilib is a major Al-Shabaab stronghold in southern Somalia, though the agency did not specify the international forces involved.

The killing would represent a significant blow to Al-Shabaab’s intelligence network, which has played a central role in the group’s internal security, surveillance and operations across Somalia.

NISA said further information on the operation would be released later.