Three Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders Killed in Military Operation in Central Somalia

Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that three senior Al-Shabaab leaders were killed in a targeted military operation in the Ceelhareeri area of the Hiiraan region on June 6, 2025. The operation was a joint effort between the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), the Somali National Army (SNA), local security forces, and international partners.

According to Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Mo'alin Fiqi, the operation specifically targeted high-ranking Al-Shabaab leaders responsible for significant terror activities in central Somalia. The three leaders killed during the operation have been identified as:

Nur Abdi Rooble (Nuunuule): Nuunuule was the Al-Shabaab commander overseeing the regions of Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Mudug, and Galgaduud. He died from severe injuries sustained during the operation. The Minister confirmed that the government had closely tracked his movements, with intelligence indicating that Nuunuule and his associates arrived in Ceelhareeri days before the attack.

Commander Addaw: Commander Addaw was a prominent Al-Shabaab member in the Galgaduud region, involved in surveillance and operational tracking for the terrorist group.