Somali Forces Kill Senior Al Shabaab Operative Overseeing Extortion

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has said it killed a senior Al-Shabaab operative responsible for overseeing the militant group’s extortion network in the capital, dealing a blow to its finances in the Banadir region.

The agency said elite Gaashaan Special Forces carried out the operation on Jan. 27 in the Daniga Baaloow area of Lower Shabelle, targeting a suspected safe house used by the operative.

NISA identified the man as Ahmed Dhubad Xidig, also known as Sheikh Aadan Dheere, describing him as a long-serving member of the al Qaeda-linked group. Intelligence officials said he had been under surveillance for an extended period before the raid.

According to the agency, Xidig was killed after attempting to resist arrest when Gaashaan forces surrounded the location.

Security officials said Xidig joined al Shabaab in 2008 and had played a key role in managing the group’s revenue streams, including extortion and the seizure of public property. Before being assigned to oversee finances in Banadir, he had held similar roles in Mudug, Galgaduud, Hiiraan and Lower Shabelle regions.

NISA said his killing would disrupt al Shabaab’s ability to collect and move funds in Mogadishu and surrounding areas.

The agency urged civilians to continue sharing information on suspected al Shabaab and Islamic State activities through its security hotlines as part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations.