The Somali Federal Government has announced a planned airstrike jointly carried out by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and the Somali National Army in close collaboration with international Partners. The airstrike successfully eliminated a senior member of Al-Shabab’s Shura Council named Ma’alin Jinaw Ibrahim.
In a press conference held in Mogadishu on Monday, the Defense Minister of Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Ma’alin Fiqi, has revealed that the meticulous airstrike took place on July 5, 2026 after conducting an investigation and follow-up that lasted for 14 days.
As disclosed by the Defense Minister, the airstrike took place precisely in Sabiyo area which is situated between Afgoye District and Basra area in Lower Shabelle region where Al-Shabab leader was targeted while he was present in a cottage in a farm and guarded by Al-Shabab fighters.
Minister Ahmed Fiqi further asserted that Ma’alin Jinaw was among the members of Al-Shabab’s founders as he was the 9th member of the Shura Council. He further added that he played a crucial role in mobilizing and organizing Al-Shabab fighters, extorting and collecting illegal money from the population, and mobilizing the group’s wars.
He went on to say that he was a senior adviser to Al-Shabab’s leader, Ahmed Diriye known as Abu Cubeyda. Minister Ahmed has accused of Ma’alin Jinaw that he was responsible for attacks that occurred in Bay, Bakool, Hiiraan and Galguduud regions, including assassinations, forced recruitment of children as soldiers, and collecting weapons from clans and suppressing the prominent figures of those areas.
Minister Ahmed has announced that the government has confirmed the death of the leader after receiving intelligence reports confirming that he died in the airstrike. He noted that these are part of the ongoing operations targeting senior Al-Shabab leadership. He also stated that a number of Al-Shabab’s senior leadership have been successfully eliminated over the past few years.
In conclusion, he expressed his commitment that the operations will continue until all Al-Shabab’s leaders are precisely targeted. The Defense Minister has conveyed a congratulatory message to the Somali National Army and security agencies. He also expressed deep appreciation to the international partners that support operations against the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group of Al-Shabab.
