By Zamzam Daqare. - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan) – August 15, 2026 – Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said a planned operation in Mahas district, Hiran region, killed three Al-Shabaab commanders and seriously injured Mustaf Caato, whom it described as the head of the group’s so-called Hiran regional brigades.
According to NISA, the operation, carried out on August 12, targeted a house where senior Al-Shabaab figures were staying. The agency said those killed included Abdi Xaafid, who was responsible for explosives operations, Daalibaan, a commander linked to the group’s Hiran emergency response unit, and Omar Husein, a commander associated with Al-Shabaab’s Hiran operations.
NISA said Mustaf Caato sustained serious injuries during the operation and was later transferred from Mahas to Ceelbuur district for medical treatment.
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The agency accused Caato of playing a role in planning and coordinating Al-Shabaab attacks and said he had previously managed the group’s explosives and suicide attack units.
NISA also said two other commanders, identified as Mohamed Eeney and Salaad Buur, were injured during the operation.
The intelligence agency said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s leadership and operational capacity, while urging the public to continue sharing information related to security threats with authorities.