NISA Says Three Senior Al-Shabaab Members Killed in Hiiraan Operation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has said it killed three Al-Shabaab members and seriously wounded several others in a planned operation in Maxaas district, Hiiraan region, as security forces target the militant group’s operational leadership.

NISA said the operation was carried out at a house in Maxaas where senior Al-Shabaab members were believed to be staying, with support from international partners.

The agency identified those killed as Abdi Hafid, whom it described as a member of Al-Shabaab’s explosives unit; Daalibaan, identified as a member of the group’s emergency response unit in Hiiraan; and Omar Hussein, whom NISA described as a commander within Al-Shabaab’s so-called Jabahad (front) forces.

NISA also said Mustaf Caato, whom it identified as the overall head of the group’s Jabahad forces in Hiiraan, was seriously wounded during the operation.

According to the agency, Caato was later moved from Maxaas to Ceelbuur for medical treatment.

NISA accused Caato of playing a longstanding role in planning and coordinating Al-Shabaab attacks, saying he had previously overseen units involved in explosives and suicide attacks.

The agency also reported that Mohamed Eeney and Salad Buur sustained serious injuries in the operation.

NISA described the raid as part of continuing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s leadership and operational networks, particularly figures it says play a role in planning and carrying out attacks.

The operation comes as Somali security forces continue to rely on intelligence-led missions alongside broader military operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia.

Hiiraan remains an important area in the conflict, with government forces seeking to disrupt Al-Shabaab networks and prevent the group from rebuilding its operational capabilities.

The targeting of commanders and specialist units reflects a strategy aimed not only at fighters on the battlefield but also at personnel involved in planning attacks, explosives and rapid-response operations.

The operation highlights the continuing focus on intelligence gathering and targeted operations as Somalia seeks to weaken Al-Shabaab’s command structures and reduce its ability to organise attacks.