MOGADISHU — The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in coordination with international partners, carried out a planned operation in the Warciise area of Middle Shabelle region, approximately 25 kilometers from Jowhar, while the Somali National Army (SNA) conducted simultaneous operations in the Hiiraan region, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 militants and significant casualties among Al-Shabaab leadership.
According to a NISA statement, the Warciise operation killed nine Al-Shabaab militants, including two senior commanders identified as Ahmed Ali Jimcaale, the group’s leader for the Jowhar district, and Geedi Mohamed Nur Cadde, who was responsible for militant operations in the Dumaaye and Dabagaalo areas. The operation was described as having been carried out as planned, dealing a significant blow to Al-Shabaab’s leadership structure in the Middle Shabelle region.
In a separate statement, the Somali National Army reported that overnight operations in the Hiiraan region, specifically in the Teedaan and Yasoomane areas, killed 15 militants and wounded 17 others. Two senior commanders, identified as Albaani and Bukhaari, were also wounded in the strikes.
The SNA also confirmed that airstrikes in the Warciise area of Middle Shabelle killed 11 Al-Shabaab leaders, with the deaths of four confirmed: Ahmed Ali Jimcaale, Geedi Cadaawe, Geedi Guuleed Abu Nabhaan, and Yaasiir Kormeed.
Overall, seven airstrikes were conducted targeting locations where Al-Shabaab leaders and militants were gathered, according to the SNA statement.
Counter-Terrorism Operations Intensify
Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan have been focal points of military operations against Al-Shabaab. NISA has previously eliminated eight militants, including commanders responsible for mines and rocket attacks in the Basra area of Middle Shabelle, targeting a militant assembly point near the riverbank.
NISA has also conducted targeted operations in the Maxaas district of Hiiraan, striking a house where senior Al-Shabaab members were sheltering and inflicting heavy casualties on the group.
NISA executed an intelligence-driven operation in the Tardo area of Hiiraan, resulting in the deaths of five militants and the destruction of hideouts and logistical facilities used by the group.
NISA has also conducted coordinated strikes across Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan, targeting Al-Shabaab’s media infrastructure and a militant assembly point, killing two senior propaganda operatives and 14 other militants.
Somali forces killed nearly 30 Al-Shabaab militants in a series of airstrikes in Middle Shabelle over a 48-hour period, destroying training camps, logistics hubs, and weapons stockpiles in the villages of Gayfo, Ruun Idiris, and Ali Gaduud.
Gorgor Commandos have intensified security operations in Jowhar, conducting thorough searches of strategic locations, including major neighborhoods and key access routes into and out of the town.
Deadly clashes have erupted in the Waab-weyn area of the Maxaas district, pitting local Macawisley militia forces against Al-Shabaab fighters, with federal troops later joining the battle.
The SNA, in collaboration with international partners, has conducted airstrikes in Lower Shabelle, neutralizing Al-Shabaab cells preparing to launch attacks against civilians and state installations.
Critical Note
While the elimination of senior Al-Shabaab commanders represents a tactical success, the broader campaign against the militant group continues to face significant challenges. Al-Shabaab has demonstrated resilience, adapting its tactics and maintaining its ability to carry out attacks despite sustained military pressure. The effectiveness of operations like those in Warciise, Teedaan, and Yasoomane will ultimately be measured by the government’s ability to maintain security in liberated areas, prevent the group from regrouping, and address the underlying drivers of conflict, including corruption, clan grievances, and economic marginalisation.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of counter-terrorism operations on civilians, underscoring the need for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that military actions do not undermine public trust or fuel further instability.
