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Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working together with international partners, has announced the killing of several senior al-Shabaab leaders in a planned military operation in the Shaw area of Hiiraan region. The operation, which took place deep inside territory long controlled by the group, marks another significant step in the Somali government’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
According to NISA’s official statement, those killed in the strike included some of the most influential figures within al-Shabaab’s leadership structure. Among them was Abdullahi Hassan Omar, who was identified as the Amniyat leader in Hirshabelle state. The Amniyat is al-Shabaab’s intelligence and security wing, notorious for carrying out assassinations, suicide bombings, and intelligence gathering on behalf of the group. Omar’s death is seen as a major blow, as he was responsible for organizing deadly attacks and maintaining tight control over militant networks in the region.
Also confirmed dead was a figure known as Osaam, described by NISA as a key finance officer for al-Shabaab. He reportedly managed financial operations that funded attacks, logistics, and recruitment activities. Cutting off financial networks has been one of the government’s main strategies to weaken the group, and the loss of an experienced officer like Osaam is expected to disrupt their ability to channel resources. Commanders identified as Qudaame Dheere and Abdul Ladhiif were also killed, both of whom were involved in leading militant units that operated in Hirshabelle and neighboring regions. NISA said that in total, around ten other militants lost their lives in the same operation.
The Shaw area of Hiiraan has long been a stronghold for al-Shabaab, serving as a base where the group has trained fighters, planned attacks, and collected taxes from local communities under its control. For years, residents of central Somalia have lived under the shadow of the group’s influence, often caught between government operations and militant retaliation. NISA described the recent raid as not only a military success but also a symbolic one, as it reached into territory that al-Shabaab once considered secure.
This operation comes at a time when the Somali federal government has intensified its campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked group. Over the past year, government forces, supported by international partners, have carried out a series of offensives aimed at reclaiming villages, disrupting militant supply lines, and dismantling leadership structures. These offensives are part of a larger national strategy to restore stability in Somalia, reduce the group’s capacity to launch attacks, and create conditions where governance and development can take root.
The killing of senior leaders is considered especially significant because al-Shabaab has relied heavily on experienced commanders and financial managers to keep its operations running. Replacing such figures is difficult, and each loss creates internal challenges for the group. However, experts warn that while these victories weaken the militants, al-Shabaab has shown resilience in the past, often regrouping after major setbacks. The group continues to exploit Somalia’s security gaps, clan rivalries, and limited state presence in rural areas to maintain its influence.
For Somalia, these victories are part of a long and difficult journey. The government has pledged to continue pursuing al-Shabaab leaders wherever they hide, while also working to strengthen local administrations and security forces so that liberated areas do not fall back under militant control. International partners have also reiterated their commitment to supporting Somalia in this fight, providing training, intelligence, and logistical support to help the government sustain momentum.
For communities in regions like Hiiraan, the hope is that these military successes will translate into long-term peace and stability. Many residents have suffered years of violence, displacement, and economic hardship under militant rule. Each step that reduces al-Shabaab’s grip brings renewed optimism that life can gradually return to normal. While challenges remain, the operation in Shaw demonstrates both the determination of Somali forces and the progress being made in one of the country’s most enduring struggles.