Somalia’s NISA says seven Al-Shabaab members killed in Lower Shabelle operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), backed by international partners, said Wednesday that seven Al-Shabaab members were killed and several senior commanders wounded in a planned operation in the Tawakal area of Lower Shabelle region.

NISA said in a statement that the operation targeted an Al-Shabaab facility in Tawakal after intelligence confirmed the presence of senior members of the militant group. The strike hit an internal meeting site where the commanders were gathered.

Among those targeted were Yoonis Macallim Abuukar, responsible for the Mushaani area; Abu Haaji Farey, the group’s local militia commander in Tawakal; Ayaatullaahi, identified as Al-Shabaab’s commander for Lower Shabelle; and Abdifatah Rooble, described as the group’s commander for Baad in the Baladul-Amiin area.

NISA said preliminary information indicated that Yoonis Macallim Abuukar and Abdifatah Rooble sustained serious injuries in the operation.

The agency said the operation was part of continuing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and target its commanders and facilities used to organise and plan attacks.