Somalia’s intelligence agency kills senior al-Shabaab operative in Lower Shabelle

Somalia’s NISA says senior al-Shabaab landmine operative killed in Afgooye raid

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said it killed a senior member of the al-Shabaab militant group during a planned operation Wednesday on the outskirts of Afgooye in the Lower Shabelle region.

In a statement, NISA said the man was responsible for preparing and planting landmines that targeted security forces and civilians in and around Afgooye, a key district west of the capital. The agency described the raid as targeted and carefully planned, part of an effort to neutralize six individuals deemed an imminent threat to local security. Only one militant was confirmed killed.

“The operation was executed with precision, resulting in the elimination of the suspect and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle,” NISA said. The agency did not disclose the identity of the man and provided no details on additional casualties.

Authorities said security operations against al-Shabaab would continue until stability is restored across the country. No further information was released about the five other individuals NISA said were part of the original target set.

The statement did not specify whether the raid involved ground forces alone or included air support, and it offered no timeline for follow-on actions in Afgooye or the wider Lower Shabelle region. Local officials have not publicly commented on the operation.

Key details provided by NISA include:

• Location: Outskirts of Afgooye, Lower Shabelle region
• Timing: Wednesday (no precise hour disclosed)
• Target: A senior al-Shabaab member described as preparing and planting landmines against security forces and civilians
• Objective: Neutralize six individuals considered a threat to district security
• Confirmed outcome: One militant killed; one AK-47 rifle recovered
• Unconfirmed: Identities of those targeted; any additional casualties

NISA framed the action as part of a continuing campaign to degrade al-Shabaab’s capacity to conduct attacks with landmines and other improvised devices, a tactic that has frequently endangered both security personnel and residents in contested areas. The agency did not indicate whether forensic or intelligence exploitation followed the seizure of the weapon, or whether any arrests were made.

With limited details released and no independent verification immediately available, the scope of the operation and its broader impact on security in Afgooye were not immediately clear. NISA said further actions would continue as part of an ongoing effort to secure the district and its surroundings.

Authorities urged vigilance and said security operations would persist until stability is “fully restored” nationwide, without providing a timeline.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.