Two young herdsmen killed a senior Al-Shabaab leader in the Ruunirgood district of the Middle Shabelle region, the Somali Ministry of Defense said.
The ministry said the incident took place on August 17 and killed Hassan Alasow Raage, also known as Hassan Xusuleey, who was 50 years old and was born in the Ruunirgood district.
According to the press release, Hassan Xusuleey was one of the Al-Shabaab leaders operating in the Middle Shabelle region, responsible for the group’s transport in the region. He also previously served as the head of what the group calls “Sakawaadka” in the Ruunirgood district.
The ministry said the two young men killed the leader in a location in the district, then took an AK-47 rifle and ammunition from him.
The statement also said that the slain leader was accused of robbing residents of their property and livestock, blocking and disrupting traffic in the district and surrounding areas.
The ministry added that these actions caused some residents to flee the district.
The Ministry of Defense praised the efforts of the residents in fighting the Al-Shabaab group.
