Three Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders Killed in Hiran Operation, Somalia’s Intelligence Agency Says. | Dawan Africa

MOGADISHU (Dawan) – August 15, 2026 – Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said a planned operation in Mahas district, Hiran region, killed three Al-Shabaab commanders and seriously injured Mustaf Caato, whom it described as the head of the group’s so-called Hiran regional brigades.

According to NISA, the operation, carried out on August 12, targeted a house where senior Al-Shabaab figures were staying. The agency said those killed included Abdi Xaafid, who was responsible for explosives operations, Daalibaan, a commander linked to the group’s Hiran emergency response unit, and Omar Husein, a commander associated with Al-Shabaab’s Hiran operations.

NISA said Mustaf Caato sustained serious injuries during the operation and was later transferred from Mahas to Ceelbuur district for medical treatment.