Somali forces kill senior Al-Shabaab operatives in Lower Shabelle raid

The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), with support from the Somali National Army (SNA), carried out a raid in Lower Shabelle's Jambaluul village, killing four senior Al-Shabaab operatives.

The overnight raid struck Al-Shabaab operatives entrenched in the rural outskirts of Jambaluul. Among those killed were identified by NISA as:

• Moalim Nur, responsible for recruiting and indoctrinating local youth.

• Liban, a financial figure who oversaw the collection of extortion money.

• Ali Yare, an operational agent involved in logistical activities.

• Bilal, a member of the militant group's "Hisba" enforcement unit.

Additionally, two other militants, identified as Kuusow and Caddow, were injured and fled the scene, prompting continued monitoring by Somali forces.

Lower Shabelle, an important stronghold for Al-Shabaab, has long been a focal point for counterterrorism operations. The region provides the group with vital revenue streams through extortion and taxation schemes targeting local businesses and residents. By neutralizing key figures in Jambaluul, Somali forces aim to undermine the group's ability to finance its insurgency and exert control over rural areas.

The SNA said the operation is part of a broader shift toward intelligence-driven military strategies.

In a statement, NISA lauded the mission's success as a testament to Somalia's growing capacity to combat terrorism. "This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling Al-Shabaab networks and securing the safety of our citizens," a NISA spokesperson said.