The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia announced that its forces, in collaboration with international partners, conducted a planned operation in the Guulane and Al-Furqaan areas of the Middle Shabelle region.
According to a statement issued by NISA, the operation resulted in the killing of a commander and three Al-Shabaab militiamen, while another was wounded.
NISA stated that the operation took place as the targeted individuals were leaving a meeting held in the Guulane area.
The agency identified the slain commander as Omar Siyad Araaye, who, according to NISA, was responsible for Al-Shabaab’s tribal affairs and the group’s relations with certain clans in the Middle Shabelle region.
NISA also reported that the operation killed two fighters who were riding the motorcycles used by the commanders, as well as a bodyguard.
Abdi Mohamed Nur—identified by NISA as one of the group’s commanders responsible for tribal affairs—was wounded in the operation, the report stated.
The agency added that Abdullahi Ali Araaye and Abdi Daalane—described as members of the targeted leadership—narrowly escaped the operation. NISA stated that these operations are part of ongoing efforts targeting Al-Shabaab’s leadership and networks, with the aim—according to the agency—of undermining the group’s capacity to organize and carry out attacks against the public; the National Intelligence and Security Agency also called on the public to share any information regarding the activities of Al-Shabaab and ISIS with security agencies.