NISA says airstrike wounded three senior al-Shabab leaders in Hiiraan
NISA identified the wounded commanders as Ali Hussein, described as a militia leader behind attacks in central Somalia; Mowliid Jiis, the group’s representative in Bulo Burde district; and Mohamed Hiiraan, described as al-Shabab’s representative in Jalalaqsi district.
Saturday May 16, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s intelligence service says an airstrike in the Hiiraan region wounded at least three senior al-Shabab figures and destroyed vehicles and facilities used by the militant group.
- Advertisement -
The National Intelligence and Security Agency said Friday that the operation, conducted with international partners, targeted the Buq Aqable area, where al-Shabab was reportedly gathering new recruits.
NISA identified the wounded commanders as Ali Hussein, described as a militia leader behind attacks in central Somalia; Mowliid Jiis, the group’s representative in Bulo Burde district; and Mohamed Hiiraan, described as al-Shabab’s representative in Jalalaqsi district.
The agency said it had tracked the movements of the men for some time before launching the strike.
NISA added that the attack damaged facilities and vehicles used by the group. In follow-up operations, it said, five vehicles were burned, including three combat vehicles. One of the vehicles was carrying a 39 mm anti-aircraft gun, according to the agency.
The intelligence service described the raid as part of an ongoing campaign to erode al-Shabab’s capacity to plan and carry out attacks on civilians and government positions.
Al-Shabab, which is allied to al-Qaida, remains active in central and southern Somalia despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and international partners. Hiiraan has emerged as a major battleground in the government’s offensive against the group, with repeated operations around Bulo Burde, Jalalaqsi and nearby areas.
