By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 4 July 2026 – Somalia said eight Al-Shabaab militants were killed in a security operation in Basra, Middle Shabelle region, targeting a network involved in bomb-making and facilitating attacks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the operation was carried out in Basra, an area in Middle Shabelle, where the militants had been hiding.
NISA said those killed included members responsible for manufacturing explosive devices and facilitating attacks using improvised explosive devices and other heavy weapons.
The agency said one of those killed was Ahmed Eybka Aalim, also known as Daqare, whom it identified as a key figure in the militant network, along with six other operatives linked to the group.
Related articles
NISA said the operation dealt a significant blow to Al Shabaab’s operational network involved in planning and carrying out bomb attacks.
Security officials also said intelligence assessments confirmed that the operatives killed in the raid had been involved in attacks carried out in several areas.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Somali security forces to weaken Al Shabaab and dismantle networks responsible for planning militant attacks.
Somalia has intensified military and intelligence operations against Al Shabaab in recent months as authorities seek to reduce the group’s ability to launch attacks across the country.