NISA, Partners Target Al-Shabaab Leaders in Kunya Barrow, Lower Shabelle

GOOBJOOG NEWS|LOWER SHABELLE: The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said it conducted an operation in the Kunyo-Barow area of Lower Shabelle targeting senior Al-Shabaab leaders, with support from “international security partners.”

In a statement on its X account, NISA did not identify the targeted leaders, disclose the exact timing of the operation, or provide details on casualties or damage.

The agency said in a statement on its X account the operation targeted senior Al-Shabaab figures but did not share details of the operaiton. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has been conducting airstrikes against Al-Shabaab targets in conjunction with NISA.

Kunyo-Barow has long been a focus area for counterterrorism operations in southern Somalia due to its location in Lower Shabelle and its links to militant movement corridors. Previous operations in and around the area have also been described by Somali authorities as joint actions supported by international partners.

The latest announcement comes amid heightened military activity in southern Somalia, including sustained offensives and follow-up operations around Kudhaa in Lower Juba. In a report published on January 22, 2026, the Somali National Army said more than 130 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during a joint operation by the Danab Special Forces and Jubaland troops after an attempted assault on Kudhaa. The army said the fighting lasted more than 24 hours and involved coordinated ground operations backed by international partners, adding that government forces retained control of the town and surrounding areas.