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On June 6, 2025, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working together with the Somali National Army (SNA) and international partners, carried out a successful joint military operation in the El-Hareri area of the Hiiraan region. The operation led to the killing of three high-ranking al-Shabaab leaders.
Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, confirmed the operation and said it was part of the government’s continued efforts to break down al-Shabaab’s leadership and weaken its operations in central Somalia.
One of the main leaders killed was Nuur Cabdi Rooble, also known as Nuunuule. He was responsible for organizing and directing al-Shabaab’s activities in four major regions: Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Mudug, and Galgaduud. According to the defense minister, Rooble was seriously injured during the assault and later died from his wounds.
Two other senior members of the extremist group were also killed. One of them, known as Caddaw, was the group’s intelligence chief in the Galgaduud region. He played a key role in overseeing surveillance and internal tracking for the group. The third was Macallin Cumar, a senior leader in charge of indoctrinating new recruits and running al-Shabaab’s militant training programs.
In total, at least five al-Shabaab fighters, including these three senior leaders, were killed in the coordinated air and ground operation. The Defense Minister said the government is closely monitoring the situation, especially efforts by the group to rescue or move their injured fighters from the area.
Local residents in El-Hareri reported hearing heavy gunfire earlier in the week, confirming that there was intense fighting in the area. Witnesses said the militant group suffered heavy losses during the clashes.
Minister Fiqi praised the operation as a major step forward in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. He stated that these types of missions are necessary to weaken al-Shabaab’s ability to plan and carry out attacks, especially in central regions of the country.
The Somali government said it remains committed to its goal of defeating al-Shabaab and removing the group’s influence from Somali territory. Authorities also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with international partners, who provide support in terms of intelligence and logistics.
This recent success adds to a series of similar operations that have targeted key al-Shabaab leaders and bases. The government has made it clear that it will not stop until the group is completely dismantled.
For years, al-Shabaab has been one of the biggest threats to security in Somalia. The group has carried out bombings, assassinations, and other violent attacks across the country, often targeting civilians and government officials. However, ongoing military pressure, both from Somali forces and international allies, has forced the group to retreat from many of its strongholds.
The government is encouraging communities to work closely with security forces by reporting suspicious activities and rejecting extremist ideology. Officials believe that the cooperation of local people is crucial to defeating the militant group and achieving lasting peace.
In closing, the Defense Minister reassured the public that more operations will be carried out in the coming weeks and months. He said the government is determined to bring peace and stability to all parts of Somalia, and these victories against al-Shabaab are an important part of that mission.