MOGADISHU – The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in close coordination with international security partners, has formally confirmed the death of the mastermind behind the militant group’s explosive operations. A statement issued on Thursday announced the success of a precision operation carried out on December 10 in the Jilib district of the Middle Jubba region, which resulted in the elimination of two senior Kharijite leaders.
The strike’s primary target was Abdullahi Osman Mohamed, also known as “Engineer Ismail.” He ranked among the most dangerous figures within the militant organization, serving as the top planner for the explosives department and overseeing the clandestine “Amniyat” intelligence wing and the Al-Kataib media unit. With a five-million-dollar bounty on his head, his removal marks a significant degradation of the group’s operational capacity. Intelligence identifies him as the principal architect of the devastating October 14 truck bombing and many other attacks that killed innocent Somali citizens and damaged public property.
The operation also neutralized Abdikarim Mohamed Hersi, alias “Qoorleex.” Hersi was a leading member of the group’s propaganda arm, specifically entrusted with managing misinformation and radicalization efforts across the Jubba regions. His elimination is expected to disrupt the group’s ability to coordinate activities and spread extremist content in southern Somalia.
The Federal Government characterized the mission as a sophisticated and successful targeted strike. By removing these senior commanders, the security forces have dismantled a crucial node within the terror network, eliminating the immediate threat these individuals posed to the Somali nation’s safety and stability.
