The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said in a statement that it successfully eliminated 19 Al-Shabab members including senior commanders following the successful execution of two planned operations conducted in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions. In the statement, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) further asserted that it carried out the operations in collaboration with the international partners. According to the statement from NISA, the first operation took place in the Geel-gub area that is situated close to Masaajid Ali Guguduud in Middle Shabelle province. The agency said that Al-Shabab members were regrouping there in order to carry out terrorist attacks. NISA further disclosed that multiple raids targeted locations occupied by Al-Shabab fighters, further announcing that 12 Al-Shabab members were successfully eliminated.
Furthermore, bases and hideouts the group used in organizing and planning their attacks had been destroyed. In addition, the second operation took place in the Buq-aqable area in Hiiraan region. NISA further stated that storage weapons facilities collected from Middle Shabelle, Hiiraan and Galguduud regions, belonging to the extremist group of Al-Shabab had also been destroyed. The agency further revealed that 7 Al-Shabab members had been successfully eliminated including a senior commander named Faaruuq, according to a NISA statement.
He was responsible for Al-Shabab’s weapons storage facilities. It further said that weapons and other equipment in the facilities had been destroyed including two technical, two tankers and two motorbikes. In conclusion, NISA asserted that these operations are part of the ongoing efforts in targeting the leadership, centers and Al-Shabab’s logistics.
In a separate operation, Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army said that they successfully eliminated 7 Al-Shabab members last night after conducting a planned operation in Sablaale District in Lower Shabelle province, a statement from the Ministry of Defense of Somalia said.
The operation successfully targeted locations occupied by Al-Shabab, and eliminated a senior commander, who played a significant role in the group’s organization and mobilization of the fighters. Two training centers in which the group used in disseminating their ideology—-particularly in the recruitment and mobilization of the group’s fighters had been destroyed, the statement said. Finally, the ministry of defense of Somalia said in the statement that the operations against Al-Shabab militants will continue, further stating that it will specifically target commanders, fighters and centers the group occupied in areas under their control.
