By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
Mogadishu, 23 August 2026 - Abdullahi Mohamud Odawa, known as Faadhuud, a long-time Al-Shabaab operative in charge of terrain reconnaissance, was killed Friday in Middle Shabelle, the Ministry of Defence said.
The 57-year-old was killed on Aug. 21 in Tawakal, it said.
Faadhuud joined Al-Shabaab in 2009 in the Ali Gadud area and spent nearly 17 years with the group, the ministry said in a statement.
He was responsible for identifying concealed positions and mapping routes used for movement and attack planning in Middle Shabelle, and for guiding fighters using his knowledge of the terrain.
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He operated across wooded areas surrounding Ali Gadud, including Juqay, Warta Dabisamatar, Bacadka Laandheer and Quracda Naaley, where Al Shabaab established trenches and shelters, the Ministry of Defence said.
He was killed by two members of the local Macawisley Wargaadhi forces who approached his position and shot him with small arms, the statement said.
His death comes as government and local forces step up operations against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle.
The statement said his killing could disrupt the group’s reconnaissance network and movement coordination around Ali Gadud.