Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on Tuesday that its special forces, supported by international partners, carried out a successful overnight operation in the Kuukaayle area of Mahaas district, Hiiraan region, killing seven Al-Shabaab fighters.
According to NISA, the raid was launched following verified intelligence reports about militant activity in the area. The mission, which took place in three coordinated stages, was aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s hideouts and disrupting their logistical operations in central Somalia.
In the first stage, Somali security forces raided a militant camp, killing three fighters on the spot. Soon after, a second strike targeted another group of militants attempting to flee, killing four more. The third and final stage focused on destroying vehicles, tents, and supplies that the group had prepared for upcoming attacks against civilians and government forces.
NISA said the operation dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab’s ability to reorganize and carry out further assaults in the Hiiraan region. Intelligence reports had indicated that the militants in Kuukaayle were part of a local cell responsible for recent attacks and plots against both civilians and security personnel. The agency described the mission as a “precise and successful counterterrorism strike” that neutralized the immediate threat posed by the cell.
The operation was the latest in a series of intensified counterterrorism actions across central Somalia, where government forces, with the help of local militias and international partners, have been targeting Al-Shabaab’s strongholds. NISA emphasized that the mission’s success reflected improved coordination between Somali intelligence units and their global allies, especially in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical execution.
Officials said the intelligence-led raid was designed to minimize civilian harm while maximizing its impact on Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity. By destroying the militants’ equipment and logistical bases, NISA believes it has disrupted the group’s efforts to regroup and launch future offensives. The agency also noted that operations like this one demonstrate the Somali government’s growing ability to conduct complex missions independently, signaling progress in national security efforts.
In its statement, NISA reaffirmed its determination to continue pursuing Al-Shabaab members across the country, vowing to eliminate the group’s presence wherever it operates. The agency called on Somali citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or information related to Al-Shabaab or ISIS militants.
NISA also reminded the public of its available emergency hotlines—199, 0770747474, and 0620545454—encouraging citizens to assist security forces by sharing credible information that could prevent future attacks. The agency stressed that cooperation between security forces and the public remains vital in ensuring lasting peace and safety across Somalia.
The operation in Mahaas marks another step in Somalia’s ongoing fight against extremism and terrorism. As government forces continue to reclaim territories and weaken insurgent networks, officials say they remain confident that sustained pressure and improved intelligence capabilities will lead to a safer, more stable Somalia.