Hiiraan, Somalia — In a major counter-terrorism operation, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in collaboration with undisclosed international partners, launched a decisive assault Sunday night that resulted in the elimination of 15 Khawaarij militants near Gayacad Junction, close to Mabaax in the Hiiraan region.
According to a statement by NISA, the pre-planned strike targeted a gathering of extremist elements affiliated with the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group, commonly referred to by Somali authorities as Khawaarij, a derogatory term used to describe extremist insurgents.
The operation, carried out with precision intelligence, reportedly left five other militants severely wounded. Among those killed were several mid-level commanders known for orchestrating ambushes and roadside bombings against Somali National Army (SNA) units and civilians traveling along strategic routes in the region.
Local residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and low-flying aircraft during the night, suggesting possible aerial support. However, no official confirmation has been given regarding air assets.
Hiiraan, a strategic battleground in Somalia’s ongoing war against terrorism, has seen a surge in military activity over recent months as federal forces intensify pressure on insurgent strongholds in central Somalia.
The Federal Government of Somalia has vowed to sustain momentum in the offensive against Al-Shabaab as part of a broader effort to restore security and reclaim territory ahead of the final phase of the ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) drawdown.
This operation marks another successful chapter in Somalia’s joint counter-terrorism efforts and signals the increasing effectiveness of intelligence-led warfare in dismantling militant command networks.