Defence Minister Fiqi Says Killing of Senior Bomb Expert Disrupts Al-Shabaab Operations

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Federal Government of Somalia’s defence minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has said the killing of senior Al-Shabaab leaders and a series of coordinated military operations are significantly weakening the militant group and altering the balance of the ongoing campaign against it.

The Minister, while addressing journalists in Mogadishu said that recent operations by the Somali National Army, carried out with support from international partners, have struck at the core of Al-Shabaab’s leadership and operational capacity.

He highlighted the killing of Abdullahi Osman Mohamed Abuukar, known as “Engineer Ismail,” the group’s chief explosives expert, in an operation in Jilib district in the Middle Juba region.

Fiqi said the removal of Engineer Ismail, who oversaw bomb-making, internal security and external operations, has disrupted the group’s ability to plan and execute large-scale attacks. He described the killing as a strategic blow, noting that the militant had been groomed as a potential successor to Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye.

The minister also confirmed the death of Abdikarim Mohamed Hirsi, known as Qoorleex, a senior figure in the group’s external operations wing. According to Fiqi, the loss of both men has triggered internal confusion within Al-Shabaab and weakened its command structure.

Fiqi said the impact of these leadership losses is already being felt on the ground, pointing to follow-up operations across southern Somalia.

He cited an overnight raid in the Buula Fuleey area of Bay region that killed at least 20 militants and destroyed the group’s Andalus radio station, which he said had been used to spread propaganda and misinformation.

The defence minister also said government forces have surrounded a large group of militants near the Jabad Godane area, calling on them to surrender. He warned that failure to do so would lead to further military action.

Fiqi credited improved intelligence sharing with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and continued support from the United States as key factors behind the recent gains. He said the government would maintain pressure on al-Shabaab through sustained operations aimed at dismantling its leadership, communications networks and remaining strongholds.

Somalia has intensified its military campaign in recent months as it seeks to translate battlefield gains into lasting security and stability, officials say.