By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, July 29 2026 – Somalia said on Wednesday that an airstrike targeting senior Al-Shabaab leaders in the Middle Shabelle region killed 11 militant commanders and wounded the group's regional leader, calling it one of its most significant operations in recent months.
Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi told a news conference in Galkayo that the strike was carried out on July 27 by the Somali National Army with support from international partners after intelligence indicated senior Al-Shabaab officials had gathered near Adan Yabal district. The claims could not be independently verified.
Fiqi said those killed included Mo’allim Arab, whom he identified as Al-Shabaab's intelligence chief for Galgaduud; Sheikh Abdullahi Mahmoud (Abu Jilabow), deputy administrator for Adan Yabal; Mo’allim Zakarie, the group's security chief for Hiiraan and Sultan Ali Muse, responsible for clan affairs; Naqiib Sheikh Omar Hashi; Naqiib Ahmed Hashin; Salman Dhere, head of vehicle garages in Middle Shabelle; Abdifitah and Hashi, both identified as bodyguards of regional commander Yusuf Issa Kaba Kutukade; Mo’allim Sulay, whom the government described as a field commander; and Hudeyfa, a senior member of Al-Shabaab's preaching office.
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The minister said four other senior figures were wounded, including Yusuf Issa Kaba Kutukade, whom the government identified as Al-Shabaab's governor for Middle Shabelle, as well as Ali Dhuh, Ali Yare and Usama, whom he described as senior officials responsible for administration, finance and taxation within the group.
According to Fiqi, intelligence gathered after the strike indicated the meeting had been convened to coordinate planned attacks in the Middle Shabelle, Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions. He said the operation also destroyed several militant vehicles, including a fuel tanker.
Somalia has intensified military operations against Al-Shabaab in coordination with international partners as the government seeks to weaken the group's leadership and disrupt its ability to organize attacks.