Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in collaboration with international partners carried out an airstrike that took place in Mahaas District in Hiiraan region on August 12, 2026. The airstrike specifically targeted a house where senior Al-Shabab commanders were present.
It successfully eliminated three senior Al-Shabab commanders while another senior commander named Mustaf Caato suffered catastrophic injuries. The agency identified him as the overall head of what the group calls the Hiiraan Region Militias.
NISA further disclosed that he was later taken to El-Buur to receive further medical treatment. He has long been involved in planning and organizing Al-Shabab attacks and has previously managed the explosives and suicide bombers unit.
Other senior Al-Shabab commanders eliminated in the airstrike were identified as Abdi Haafid, who was a member of the explosives unit, Daalibaan, a member of the Hiiraan Region’s reinforcement unit, and Omar Husien, a commander of a faction in what the group calls its frontline units.
NISA also stated that two commanders named Mohamed Eeney, and Salad Buur suffered catastrophic injuries. The agency indicated that Mustaf Caato had long been a high priority target for the security agency due to his leadership role in Al-Shabab’s operations and combat activities. NISA stated that the operation is part of the efforts to undermine Al-Shabab’s capabilities and leadership while targeting the group’s officials and networks.
