Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has conducted a series of targeted operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab in the regions of Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Lower Shabelle. The operations, carried out in coordination with international partners, resulted in the deaths of several senior Al-Shabaab commanders and fighters.

In the Hiiraan region, a precision raid in the Moqokori district killed senior Al-Shabaab commander Abdi Hiiray and two other militants. Hiiray was wanted for orchestrating deadly attacks and plots targeting civilians in Hirshabelle State. In Galgaduud, at least 11 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in Nooleeye village after intelligence revealed the presence of a cell organizing militant activities in the area.

Meanwhile, in Lower Shabelle, over 10 Al-Shabaab members were killed and several others wounded in a strike targeting a militant gathering in the village of Tugaarey, under Awdheegle district. According to Somali authorities, the operations are part of broader efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity and prevent further threats to civilian populations.

The operations demonstrate the growing effectiveness of joint security efforts between Somali forces and international partners. A government spokesperson noted that these targeted strikes show a commitment to dismantling the networks of terror that threaten Somalia’s peace and stability. The fact that no civilian casualties were reported in the operations highlights the precision and care taken in planning and executing the raids.

The latest operations against Al-Shabaab are a significant development in the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia. Al-Shabaab has been responsible for numerous attacks against civilians and government forces in recent years, and weakening the group’s capacity is crucial to achieving long-term peace and security in the country. As Somali forces continue to work with international partners to counter the threat posed by Al-Shabaab, the success of these operations is likely to be closely watched by regional and international observers.