Somali Army Says It Killed Senior Al-Shabab Leaders in Middle Shabelle Operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s national army said Sunday it carried out a planned security operation in the Jabad Godane area of the Middle Shabelle region, killing senior leaders of the al-Shabab militant group and weakening its operational capacity.

In a statement, the Somali National Army said about 15 al-Shabab fighters were killed during the operation, including key figures accused of planning attacks and targeting civilians.

Those killed were identified as Jaafar Aden, described as the group’s commander in the Jabad Godane area; Abdirisaq Ali, the group’s medical officer; and Da’ud, a field commander who led a militant cell operating in the area.

The army said the operation significantly degraded al-Shabab’s leadership, coordination and logistical networks in the region. It did not provide independent verification of the casualty figures, and al-Shabab did not immediately comment.

The military said the operation was part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle militant networks and protect civilians, adding that similar operations would continue across the country.

Al-Shabab, linked to al-Qaida, has been waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade and frequently carries out attacks targeting security forces and civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE