Somali Police Kill Al-Shabaab ‘Taxman’, Destroy Extortion Checkpoint in Lower Shabelle Raid

GOOBJOOG NEWS | LOWER SHABELLE: Somali police anti-terrorism forces killed a militant leader and wounded two others during an intelligence-led operation in Jambaluul area of Lower Shabelle Region, where they also dismantled an extortion checkpoint used to collect illegal payments from civilians.
The operation, codenamed Waabari, was carried out by the Anti-Terrorism Command of the Somali Police Force, with participation from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Officials said the slain commander, identified as Zakariye, was responsible for issuing receipts used in collecting extortion money from road users in the area.
Two other militant figures were wounded in the raid. They were named as Xasan Cabdirahman, said to be in charge of the Jambaluul area, and another commander identified as Geele.
Security forces also recovered extortion receipts, weapons, and a motorcycle belonging to the dead commander.
Authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to respond to public complaints over illegal taxation imposed on civilians by militant groups.