NISA says 16 Al-Shabaab militants killed in operations in Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says its forces, working with international partners, have carried out planned operations in parts of Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions, killing 16 suspected Al-Shabaab militants and destroying equipment and vehicles used by the group.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NISA said two senior members of Al-Shabaab’s propaganda and misinformation wing were killed during an operation in the Miirtaqwo area of Middle Shabelle.

The agency identified the two as Abdisamad Mohamed, described as the head of Al-Shabaab’s Al-Andalus propaganda division, and Ali Salad, another member of the group’s media and propaganda unit. NISA said another individual was seriously wounded during the operation.

According to the intelligence agency, the operation targeted and completely destroyed a facility that Al-Shabaab reportedly referred to as the “Security House”, which allegedly housed equipment belonging to the group’s Al-Andalus radio network.

NISA said the operation also destroyed equipment allegedly used by the group to spread propaganda and misinformation among the public.

In separate operations in the Tardo area of Hiiraan, NISA said its forces targeted Al-Shabaab fighters who were allegedly being prepared for deployment to the Goobo and Waabweyn areas to carry out activities aimed at disrupting security.

The agency said 14 militants were killed in the operations and a Toyota Noah vehicle allegedly used by the group was destroyed.

NISA described the operations as part of ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities, disrupt its recruitment and mobilisation networks, and destroy facilities and equipment used in terrorist activities.

The agency also called on members of the public to share information concerning security threats or activities linked to Al-Shabaab and ISIS with NISA through its official emergency contact channels.

Mustaqbal