The Somali Police Force, specifically the Counterterrorism Command, announced that they carried out a planned operation known as “Waabari” in the Jambaluul area of the Lower Shabelle region. This operation was conducted on April 18, 2026 at 9:00 in the morning, after receiving intelligence reports. The operation was a joint effort between the specially trained counterterrorism police unit and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The police successfully dismantled a checkpoint and a center where Al-Shabab was extorting money from civilians traveling on the Jambaluul road. During the operation, the police eliminated Al-Shabab leader Zakariye, who was responsible for collecting the extorted money. Two other Al-Shabab members, Hassan Abdirahman and Geele, were also injured in the operation. The police collected vouchers used by Al-Shabab to collect the extorted money, weapons, and a motorbike belonging to the deceased leader. The Counterterrorism Special Police Command stated that this operation is part of their ongoing efforts to eradicate extortion and Al-Shabab’s atrocities against civilians, in response to increased complaints from the community.
