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Top Al-Shabaab operative Abbas Hool has died from injuries sustained during a targeted military operation by Somali government forces, marking a significant blow to the militant group’s leadership. The Somali Ministry of Information confirmed his death in a statement released this week, describing Hool as a key architect of terror operations in Mogadishu and the Shabelle regions.
Hool, who joined Al-Shabaab in 2007, rose through the ranks to become one of the group’s most influential commanders. He was reportedly responsible for orchestrating numerous deadly attacks on civilians, government institutions, and public infrastructure, particularly in the Banadir and Shabelle regions. His death follows a carefully coordinated offensive by the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by international partners, which targeted Al-Shabaab hideouts in the El-Dheere area near the border of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
According to the Ministry, Hool sustained critical injuries during the operation and later succumbed to complications arising from those wounds. The government emphasized that his elimination is part of a broader strategy to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s command structure and restore stability in regions long plagued by insurgent violence.
The military strike that led to Hool’s death involved both ground forces and precision airstrikes, aimed at disrupting Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. The offensive reportedly destroyed several militant hideouts and resulted in the deaths of multiple fighters. While the government has not released an exact casualty count, officials described the operation as a success and vowed to continue pursuing the group’s leadership.
Hool’s death has been hailed by Somali authorities as a turning point in the fight against Al-Shabaab. “There is no hiding place for those who terrorize our people,” the Ministry of Information stated. “This operation sends a clear message that the Somali Armed Forces will relentlessly pursue justice and security for our citizens.”
Security analysts believe Hool’s removal could create a leadership vacuum within Al-Shabaab, potentially weakening the group’s ability to coordinate attacks in central and southern Somalia. However, they caution that the group remains a potent threat, capable of regrouping and launching retaliatory strikes.
The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent months, with a focus on reclaiming territory and disrupting the group’s financial and logistical networks. The involvement of local militias and community defense units has also played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and supporting national forces on the ground.
As the country continues its push to eliminate extremist threats, the death of Abbas Hool is being viewed as both a tactical victory and a symbol of the government’s renewed resolve. The operation underscores the importance of sustained military pressure, regional cooperation, and community engagement in the broader effort to secure Somalia’s future.