Mogadishu, Aug 15 (IANS) Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), backed by international partners, killed nine al-Shabab militants, including two commanders, during a targeted operation near Jowhar town in south-central Somalia.
“Among those killed were senior al-Shabab leaders Ahmed Ali Jimale, top commander for Jowhar district, and Gedi Mohamed Nur Adde, head of operations in Dumaaye and Dabagaalo,” NISA said in a statement.
The security agency said the operation also eliminated seven militants from al-Shabab’s local Hizbul militia who were accompanying the targeted leaders, Xinhua News Agency reported.
NISA confirmed the sting operation, which was carried out in the Middle Shabelle area, went according to plan, dealing a significant blow to the insurgent forces.
The Somali government has vowed to sustain offensive operations against al-Shabab leaders and fighters until the security threat to the nation is fully neutralised.
Last month, 16 al-Shabaab militants, including two key operatives, were killed in central Somalia.
According to NISA, joint operations targeted the Miirtaqwo and Tardo areas in the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions, destroying key enemy vehicles and equipment.
It said the first operation targeted and destroyed an al-Shabaab facility known as the “Security House,” where equipment for Radio Andalus was stored.
Abdisamad Mohamed, head of the Radio Andalus propaganda unit, and operative Ali Salad were killed in the operation, while another member was seriously injured.
Equipment belonging to Radio Andalus, the station used by the group to broadcast extremist propaganda, was also destroyed during the operation.
“These operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle al-Shabaab and destroy the facilities and equipment used to carry out terrorist acts,” NISA said.
According to NISA, subsequent operations in the Tardo area of Hiran targeted al-Shabaab militants mobilising for attacks in Goobo and Waabweyn.
Security experts said the latest operations reflect intensified security efforts aimed at dismantling al-Shabaab networks and restoring safety for civilians in one of the country’s most volatile regions.
–IANS
ksk/as
