By Abukar Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 16 May 2026 — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said on Friday that senior Al Shabaab operatives were killed during a coordinated security operation in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia.
In a statement, NISA said the operation was carried out in the Buq-Aqable area in coordination with international partners and targeted senior militant figures and logistical sites used by the group.
According to the agency, at least three senior Al Shabaab operatives were killed, including Ali Hussein, whom NISA described as a senior militia commander operating in central regions, Mowliid Jiis, identified as the group’s representative in Buulo-burde district, and Mohamed Hiiraan, described as Al Shabaab’s representative in Jalalaqsi district.
Related articles
NISA said the operation also targeted locations where militants were preparing attacks and destroyed five vehicles, including three so-called “BG” vehicles, one of which was reportedly mounted with a DShK heavy machine gun.
The agency said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to weaken Al Shabaab’s operational capabilities and disrupt planned attacks.
Somalia’s government, backed by international partners, has intensified military and intelligence operations against Al Shabaab in central and southern Somalia in recent years.