Somali Forces Eliminate Senior al-Shabaab Leaders in Major Counterterrorism Operations

Somali Forces Eliminate Senior al-Shabaab Leaders in Major Counterterrorism Operations

 

The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have carried out a series of successful counterterrorism operations across the Bakool and Bay regions, killing several senior members of the al-Shabaab terror group, the Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday.

According to the statement, among those killed was Mohamed Abdi Mohamed Nur, also known as Goofoow, a notorious al-Shabaab leader responsible for orchestrating multiple deadly attacks on civilians in southwestern Somalia. He was neutralized in a precision operation in Abal village, located 21 kilometers (13 miles) south of Hudur, the capital of Bakool region.

“During the operation, the forces also seized weapons and documents detailing plots intended to disrupt security and stability in the area,” the ministry confirmed.

In a separate operation, Somali forces eliminated two additional senior operatives — Yahye, also known as Abu Khalid, a key organizer of terrorist attacks, and Sharif Amir, who was fatally injured during the engagement and later succumbed to his wounds.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the operations are part of the government’s broader mission to eliminate al-Shabaab’s presence and restore long-term stability across the Horn of Africa nation.

“No safe haven will be allowed for al-Shabaab terrorists or their remnants,” the statement declared.

The announcement follows reports that over 220 precision airstrikes have been conducted since February 2025, resulting in the deaths of 868 al-Shabaab militants. These intensified efforts reflect Somalia’s renewed commitment to eradicating terrorism with the backing of international security partners.

Recent operations have also targeted al-Shabaab strongholds in the south, central, and northeastern parts of the country, including Puntland’s Bari region. Notably, a precision airstrike in Bu’aale, Middle Juba, late last month killed Mohamud Abdi Hamud, also known as Jacfar Gurey, one of the group’s founding members and its former “intelligence chief.”

For more than 16 years, al-Shabaab has waged a violent insurgency against the Somali government, targeting security forces, officials, and civilians alike. However, the latest operations mark a turning point in Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign — signaling the government’s unwavering resolve to secure its people and liberate the nation from extremist threats.