The Somali Federal Government’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has provided specifics on successive counter-terrorism operations conducted by the national army alongside international partners across multiple regions.
Minister Fiqi confirmed the elimination of senior Al-Shabaab figure Engineer Abdullahi Osman Mohamed Abuukar, widely known within the group as Engineer Ismail. He served as the organization’s chief explosives specialist and oversaw both internal security and external operations. The operation that killed him occurred in Jilib district within Middle Juba region, a key militant stronghold and training location for suicide attackers. Intelligence indicators suggested Ismail was being groomed to eventually assume overall leadership of the group in place of current head Ahmed Diriye.
The slain commander masterminded numerous high-profile attacks, including the assassination attempt against the president at Ceel-gaabta, the assault on Jilacow cave, the bombing at Jaalle Siyaad College, the 2017 Zoobe massacre, and the Hargaha and Samaha strikes, among others that claimed thousands of civilian casualties.
Another senior commander eliminated during these operations was Abdikarim Mohamed Hirsi Qoorleex, a key member of the terrorist network responsible for orchestrating cross-border attacks in neighboring countries. Following his death, the group has reportedly experienced significant internal divisions and operational disruptions that threaten its cohesion and survival.
The defense chief specifically commended the National Intelligence and Security Agency for providing crucial intelligence that enabled these targeted operations. He also expressed appreciation for the United States government’s ongoing counter-terrorism collaboration.
Additionally, the minister reported that overnight operations in Buulla-fuley area of Bay region resulted in twenty militant deaths and the destruction of the Andulus radio facility, which had been utilized by extremists for propaganda dissemination. Government forces have also encircled approximately 500 insurgents near Jabad Godane, where they remain besieged. These militants have been issued surrender demands, with government forces prepared to neutralize them if they refuse to capitulate in the coming days.
