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Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has confirmed the death of 15 al-Shabaab militants in a successful military operation carried out near Gayacad junction, close to the Mabaax area in the Hiiraan region. Among those killed were several high-ranking field commanders.
According to a statement released by NISA, the raid was conducted on Saturday with support from international partners. The mission aimed to stop a group of al-Shabaab fighters who were traveling to support other militants stuck in parts of Hiiraan.
The operation was carried out in three carefully planned stages. It targeted militants who had been mobilized from the towns of Adan Yabal and Ceel Cali Ahmed in the Middle Shabelle region. NISA said the fighters were intercepted before reaching their destination.
Despite attempting to hide in remote areas of bushland to avoid being caught, the militants were found and attacked. In addition to those killed, five others were wounded during the clashes.
Security officials say all three phases of the operation achieved their intended goals. However, some militants managed to escape. A manhunt is now ongoing to track down and arrest those who fled during the operation.
NISA praised the cooperation with international allies, noting that the success of this mission would not have been possible without their support. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to fighting al-Shabaab and preventing the group from carrying out future attacks.
“This operation is a clear message that there is no hiding place for terrorists in Somalia,” said a NISA spokesperson. “We are determined to eliminate all threats and ensure the safety of our people.”
Al-Shabaab, a militant group linked to al-Qaeda, has been responsible for numerous attacks in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region. They continue to carry out bombings, assassinations, and ambushes targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces.
In recent years, Somali security forces, supported by African Union troops and international partners, have intensified their fight against the group. Several towns and villages once controlled by al-Shabaab have been recaptured, and many of the group’s leaders have been killed in similar targeted operations.
The latest operation near Gayacad junction is seen as another step forward in weakening the group’s capabilities and disrupting their movements. By intercepting and killing fighters en route to reinforce others, NISA believes it has dealt a major blow to al-Shabaab’s plans in the Hiiraan region.
Efforts are now underway to pursue the militants who managed to escape and to prevent them from regrouping or launching counterattacks. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Security experts say intelligence-led operations like this one are crucial in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Somalia. By acting on accurate and timely information, security agencies can carry out precise strikes with minimal risk to civilians.
The Somali government has repeatedly stated that the fight against al-Shabaab is a top priority. With continued international support, Somalia hopes to bring lasting peace and stability to the country after decades of conflict.
This recent success boosts the morale of security forces and shows that progress is being made. NISA says more operations are planned in the coming weeks, and the agency is confident that al-Shabaab’s hold on the region will continue to weaken.