By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, Aug. 17, 2026 – Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said its forces killed three senior Al Shabaab militants and five of their guards in an operation in Tardo, Hiran region.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NISA said the operation was carried out in cooperation with local residents after receiving intelligence about senior militants operating in the area.
NISA said the three senior militants killed were Si’id Huriye, whom it identified as a senior commander responsible for extortion activities in eastern Hiran; Hamse Bakool, described as a commander of militants operating in Hiran; and Osman, whom the agency identified as a senior militant commander.
The agency said five guards accompanying the commanders were also killed in the operation.
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NISA said four other militants were wounded, including a senior commander identified as Khalid Irro.
The agency said its forces had also recovered weapons during the operation, although it did not provide details on the type or quantity of weapons seized.
NISA said the operation was part of wider efforts to target senior Al Shabaab commanders and disrupt the group's activities in the region.
The agency urged members of the public to provide information about suspected militants and security threats through its designated contact channels.