Senior Al-Shabaab commander killed in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has confirmed the death of a senior commander of the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been fighting to control the country for the last two decades, but have been periodically subdued on the frontlines.

Abaas Mohamed Hool was eliminated by the Somali National Army following years of tracking by intelligence teams in the country, having been linked to masterminding deadly attacks within the capital, Mogadishu, and Shabelle regions.

Senior security officers said Hool died after sustaining serious injuries in an operation that was launched by the Somali National Army. His health deteriorated significantly, leading to his death, officials said.

A veteran militant, Hool joined the militant group in 2007 and rose through the ranks to become one of its most notorious operatives. He was earmarked for arrest and or elimination for the last two decades in the country.

Multiple security sources said he was implicated in various attacks, mostly targeting civilians and public institutions within Mogadishu. His activities disrupted businesses, besides leading to the deaths of innocent civilians.

The Somali National Army has vowed to intensify operations against Al-Shabaab and reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the group’s presence across the country. There is a countrywide operation against the group.

Al-Shabaab militants have somehow made some significant strides in recent months in what is linked to the disunity within the government and rising political temperatures, with the recent capture of Adan Yabaal dealing government troops a significant blow.

GAROWE ONLINE