Operations in Middle Shabelle Result in Militant Casualties

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali security forces conducted operations in the Middle Shabelle region, resulting in the deaths of several al-Shabaab members, including senior leaders, according to official sources. The accounts of the operations were detailed by the Ministry of Defence and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), with some differences in the details of the operations.

The Ministry of Defence reported that local forces killed two al-Shabaab commanders in the Daaru-nimca and Tawakal areas on Friday, 22 August 2026. The Ministry identified the commanders as Hassan Hussein Hursow, also known as Hassan Garabheere, and Abdullahi Faadhuud. According to a Ministry statement, the forces targeted locations where al-Shabaab fighters were hiding. Hassan Garabheere, the Ministry said, was responsible for the group's zakat (almsgiving) operations across areas including Cadcaddeey, Cadan-laxley, and Daaru-nimca, which fall under the Runirgood district in Middle Shabelle.

In a separate report, NISA detailed an operation in the Wariise area, roughly 25 kilometers from Jowhar, which it said killed nine al-Shabaab militants, including two senior leaders. The agency identified these leaders as Ahmed Ali Jimale, described as al-Shabaab's leader in Jowhar district, and Geeddi Mohamed Nur Adde, who was responsible for the group's activities in the Dumaaye and Dabagaalo areas.

Differing Accounts of the Operations

The two accounts, while both focused on Middle Shabelle, present differing details about the operations. The Ministry of Defence's report, which made no mention of international involvement, focused on operations by local forces. In contrast, the NISA statement, as reported by Hiiraan Online, said the operation was conducted in cooperation with international partners.

NISA reported that the two senior leaders killed had been under surveillance for some time, based on information gathered about their movements and activities. The agency said seven other al-Shabaab members accompanying the leaders were also killed. The ministry's statement, on the other hand, mentioned the killings of the two commanders without providing a total casualty figure for its operation.

Perspectives

Ministry of Defence

Somalia's Ministry of Defence praised the efforts of local forces in the operations, stating that communities and security forces continue to work together to undermine al-Shabaab's capabilities. The Ministry did not report any security force casualties.

NISA

In its statement, NISA framed the operation as an effort to weaken al-Shabaab's leadership and disrupt the networks used by the group to plan and carry out attacks. The agency urged the public to share information about al-Shabaab and Islamic State activities with security agencies to help prevent attacks and other security threats. NISA did not provide further details on the operation or identify its international partners.