Bakool, Southwest – Somali National Army (SNA) forces have eliminated a senior Al-Shabaab commander during a precision operation in the Bakool region, a move officials describe as a major success in the ongoing fight against the militant group.
The late-night raid took place in Abal village, roughly 21 kilometers from Hudur, the regional capital. Troops from the 9th Battalion of the Central Division, acting on verified intelligence, launched a coordinated assault that led to the death of Mohamed Abdi Goofow, a long-wanted figure within Al-Shabaab’s ranks.
Goofow had been on the radar of security agencies for years due to his role in planning and executing multiple attacks across Bakool and neighboring regions. His operations targeted both military outposts and civilian areas, causing loss of life and hampering humanitarian access.
Military sources said the operation was carried out with surgical precision, avoiding civilian casualties while neutralizing Goofow and several of his associates. Weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment were seized at the site, offering further insight into Al-Shabaab’s local network and logistics.
For the people of Bakool, the mission represents more than a tactical victory — it offers a sense of relief after years of fear and insecurity. Abal and nearby settlements have frequently suffered from Al-Shabaab’s coercive control, including forced taxation and recruitment.
The Somali army, backed by community intelligence and regional coordination, has intensified operations aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s command structure in the southwest. Officials emphasized that similar offensives will continue until the group’s presence is fully uprooted from the region.
As Bakool slowly reopens its roads and villages regain stability, the fall of Goofow stands as a symbol of the government’s renewed determination to restore lasting peace and reclaim areas long held under militant influence.
