Somali National Army kills senior al-Shabab commander in Lower Jubba operation

Somali National Army (SNA) forces, supported by Jubbaland Dervishes, killed a senior al-Shabab leader in a planned operation in northern Lower Jubba on Friday, according to government sources.

The joint military operation targeted al-Shabab members gathering in the Dharkeen Urur and Orgiyow areas of Lower Jubba region. 

Among those killed was Mohamud Ali Hussein, known within al-Shabab by the alias "Qayliyow." He was reportedly responsible for reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and coordinating landmine placements and camp surveys for future attacks.

"Mahamud Ali Hussein, known to locals as 'Gobe,' was killed in a strategic operation. As a key figure in the group, he oversaw intelligence, landmines, and targeted attacks, shedding innocent blood in the region," the Federal Government stated.

The operation follows recent reports from the Somali Defense Ministry that over 95 al-Shabab fighters were killed in separate operations in Middle Shabelle, Galgadud, and the north-central Mudug province.