MOGADISHU – The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has conducted a planned operation on the outskirts of the Basra area in the Middle Shabelle region, eliminating eight Al-Shabaab militants, including key commanders responsible for mines and rocket attacks.
The targeted operation struck a militant assembly point near the riverbank on the outskirts of Basra, killing the commander in charge of the group’s mine operations, the commander responsible for 107mm rocket attacks, identified as Ahmed Eyba Caalim (Daqare), and six other members of his unit. The operation dealt a significant blow to the militant network responsible for planning and executing rocket attacks.
The precision operation is part of a broader series of strikes targeting Al-Shabaab leadership, with NISA and international partners previously eliminating senior commanders across multiple regions.
Targeting Militant Commanders
Intelligence sources confirmed that the operation was based on actionable intelligence regarding the militants’ movements and planning activities. The militants were reportedly coordinating a series of attacks using both IEDs and rockets when they were targeted.
NISA has a track record of conducting precision strikes against high-value targets, including a 150-day intelligence pursuit that led to the elimination of a senior commander responsible for major attacks in Mogadishu.
Impact on Al-Shabaab’s Operations
The elimination of the commanders is expected to degrade Al-Shabaab’s capacity to carry out rocket attacks and mine-related operations in the Middle Shabelle region. The area has been a launchpad for attacks targeting both security forces and civilian infrastructure.
NISA forces have conducted similar operations in the Kuunyo Barrow area, destroying industrial generators used to manufacture IEDs and eliminating nine militants, including senior operatives.
Strategic Significance
Intelligence sources further confirmed that Al-Shabaab fighters removed the bodies of the slain commanders from the operation site and secretly buried them in another location, an indication of the loss they suffered.
The death of a senior Al-Shabaab leader in a previous operation dealt another blow to the group’s financial and logistical networks, disrupting its ability to raise funds and manage operations.
Way Forward
The operation in Basra is part of ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and dismantle networks involved in planning and executing terrorist attacks. Citizens are encouraged to report any security threats or information related to Al-Shabaab to NISA.
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