Middle Shabelle, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA), in coordination with local Ma’wisley fighters, has killed two senior Al-Shabaab leaders during a series of joint military operations across several villages in the Middle Shabelle region, according to the Ministry of Defence.
MoD spokesman Sheikh Abukar Moalim confirmed on Monday that the operations, which targeted Al-Shabaab hideouts in the areas of Gullane, Darul-Nicmo, and Alkowsar, resulted in the deaths of Mohamed Adow and Ali Habad—both identified as key figures within the militant group.
“These individuals were responsible for orchestrating deadly attacks and maintaining the group’s grip in the central Shabelle corridor. Their elimination marks a significant blow to Al-Shabaab’s operational command in the region,” Moalim stated.
Local sources corroborated the account, noting that the operations involved a mix of infantry assaults and intelligence-led maneuvers, supported by surveillance from allied partners.
The Ma’wisley, a grassroots militia composed of clan-based fighters aligned with the government, played a crucial role in tracking militant movements and securing liberated villages.
The Middle Shabelle region has seen increased anti-insurgency activity in recent months, as the federal government intensifies its campaign to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s strongholds.
The latest operation is part of a broader Phase Three offensive strategy announced earlier this year under Somalia’s security transition plan.
Military officials have vowed to maintain pressure on the remaining militants in the region and urged local communities to continue collaborating with security forces.
“This is not just a military victory; it is a step toward restoring stability and governance to areas long held hostage by terror,” the spokesman added.
No civilian casualties were reported in the operations, and government troops have since secured the targeted villages. Al-Shabaab has not issued any public statement regarding the deaths of Adow and Habad.