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Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced the killing of a senior Al-Shabab leader believed to be behind several major attacks carried out in 2025. The agency said the operation took place on March 1 in the Hantiwadaag area of Awdheegle district in the Lower Shabelle region, with support from international partners.
According to NISA, the man had been operating under several different names, including Kamaludin Yunis Mohamed, Salim Nur Sheikh Abdirahin, Arale and Abdullahi Hassan Ali. Officials described him as a key figure within the militant group, saying he played a central role in organizing and directing attacks that targeted both civilians and members of the security forces. They said he was not only involved in planning operations but also oversaw networks that carried out the assaults.
Among the attacks linked to him was the October 4, 2025 assault at Godka Jilacow, which left a number of people dead. He was also accused of masterminding the July 9, 2025 suicide bombing at Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy and the December 10, 2025 attack on the General Dhega-Badan Training School, widely known as Xero Nacnac. These incidents resulted in the deaths of civilians, soldiers and officers, and caused widespread fear and damage.
NISA said the mission to track him down took more than 150 days. During that time, intelligence officers closely monitored his movements as he shifted between several locations in Lower Shabelle. The agency noted that he frequently stayed in populated areas such as Mubarak, Ugunji, Daarusalaam, Hantiwadaag, Kurtunwaarey and Gendershe. Because of this, officials said they had to plan carefully to avoid putting civilians at risk.
The agency emphasized that the operation was carried out with precision. It said efforts were made to minimize harm to nearby residents, given that the suspect often hid among communities. NISA described the strike as a direct response to the killings of innocent civilians and members of the security forces in the earlier attacks. Officials believe his death will disrupt planned operations and weaken the group’s ability to organize similar assaults in the future.
However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the operation or of the identity of the man killed. Al-Shabab has not yet issued a statement regarding the claim. In the past, the group has sometimes denied government reports or remained silent after the loss of key members.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to Al-Qaida, has been fighting Somalia’s federal government for more than 16 years. The group frequently carries out bombings, targeted killings and coordinated assaults on government buildings, military bases and public places. Despite ongoing military offensives by Somali forces, often backed by international partners, the group continues to stage deadly attacks across the country.
Security operations have intensified in recent years as the government works to dismantle Al-Shabab’s networks and restore stability. Officials say eliminating senior planners is a critical step in reducing the group’s ability to coordinate large-scale attacks. At the same time, authorities acknowledge that the fight is far from over, as the militants remain active in several regions.
The killing of the senior operative marks another chapter in Somalia’s long-running battle against extremism. While officials see it as a significant achievement, the broader challenge of ensuring lasting security and protecting civilians continues.