Three Al-Shabaab Commanders Killed in NISA Operation in Hiiraan Region

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Three Al-Shabaab commanders have been killed in a planned intelligence operation in Tardo, Hiiraan region, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said, in the latest strike targeting the militant group’s leadership.

NISA identified the commanders as Said Huriye, Hamsa Bakool and Osman.

The agency said Said Huriye was responsible for extortion activities in eastern Hiiraan, while Hamsa Bakool served as a commander of Al-Shabaab fighters operating in the region. Osman was also identified as a senior commander, although NISA provided fewer details about his specific role.

Five other Al-Shabaab fighters who were guarding the commanders were killed in the operation, while four others were wounded, NISA said.

Among those injured was a commander identified as Khalid Ciro.

Another senior Al-Shabaab figure, Abdikarim Yusuf Ahmed, whom NISA described as the group’s appointed commander in Tardo, escaped from the area.

NISA said the operation was conducted with support from international partners and formed part of continuing efforts to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s leadership and weaken its ability to organise and carry out attacks.

The operation highlights the focus on targeting senior commanders who oversee local networks, fighters and revenue-generating activities.

Hiiraan remains an important battleground in Somalia’s campaign against Al-Shabaab, with government forces seeking to disrupt the group’s networks and strengthen state security in central Somalia.

NISA urged residents to provide information on the activities of Al-Shabaab and Islamic State militants, particularly intelligence linked to potential security threats.

The identities, positions and casualty figures were provided by NISA and could not be independently verified.