Somalia, 4 April 2026 – Somalia says its special forces captured an Al-Shabaab operative responsible for mobilising fighters in Lower Shabelle , intensifying counter-terrorism operations in the region.
The individual identified as Salad Moa’allim Osman Abdiow, also known as Salad Dhere, was captured on Friday in the village of SooMaray, about 5 km west of Mubarak.
State media said the operation was carried out by the 20th Brigade of the elite Gorgor commandos, part of the Somali National Army.
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According to state media, Abdiow was responsible for organising and directing fighters operating in several villages, including Buula Cabdulle, Mudulow, Buula-Doorka and Ugunji Busley, all under the Mubarak area.
The capture, the report said, was part of ongoing military efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region.
Somalia has stepped up military operations against Al-Shabaab in recent years, with government and allied local forces conducting offensives across southern and central regions.

