MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali security forces have eliminated a high-ranking Al-Shabaab commander as the campaign against the militants reaches a vital stage, fully backed by international partners including the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Special forces executed an overnight raid in Lower Shabelle, neutralizing a senior leader who orchestrated bombings throughout the region. He faced accusations of fueling instability across the Horn of Africa.
Hassan Siidow Hussein served as the organizer of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) aimed at civilians and security personnel. His efforts also hampered transportation nationwide.
After prolonged surveillance, officials tracked Hassan and eliminated him along with three armed escorts in the Cumar Beere area. Authorities hailed his death as a key breakthrough against Al-Shabaab fighters.
The Somali National Army (SNA) working with the US Africa Command and AUSSOM, has confronted the Al-Shabaab group over the past two decades.
The militants’ guerrilla methods have proven nearly insurmountable, with firm footholds in central and southern Somalia. Yet recent efforts have restricted their operations to limited zones.
Critics have faulted the SNA for inadequate action against the fighters, leaning heavily on foreign troops whose mandates near expiration. The government expresses optimism about ultimately defeating the group.
