Somali Intelligence Agency Airstrike Kills Seven Al-Shabaab Militants, Destroys Weapon Convoy in Hiiraan

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced the killing of seven al-Shabaab militants and the destruction of two weapon-laden trucks in a targeted airstrike carried out overnight near the town of Buq-Aqable in the central Hiiraan region.

In a press statement released on Sunday morning, NISA confirmed that the precision operation took place in the village of Buulo-Xoog, under the Buq-Aqable area, a known militant stronghold.

“Seven terrorists were eliminated, and two trucks loaded with weapons were destroyed,” the agency stated, adding that the militants had been under surveillance.

According to the agency, the airstrike was launched after NISA tracked the movements of the vehicles and their militant escort as they returned from the Shaw area toward Buq-Aqable. The decision to strike was made following the verification of actionable intelligence about the group’s movement and weapon transport.

NISA described the operation as “successful,” noting that the vehicles, militants, and armaments were destroyed at the scene. The statement also revealed that video evidence of the strike was captured by NISA surveillance cameras and will be released to the public “to show the heavy blow inflicted on the Khawaarij,” the term used by Somali authorities for al-Shabaab.

The airstrike is the latest in a series of targeted operations aimed at degrading al-Shabaab’s capabilities in central Somalia, particularly in Hiiraan, where government forces and local fighters continue to resist the group’s resurgence.

The militant group has recently increased its activities in the region following territorial gains, including the recapture of Moqokori. Security analysts view these counter-operations as part of a broader effort by Somali forces to prevent al-Shabaab from consolidating its hold over key logistical corridors in the central belt.

Further details, including the source of the air support and video verification, are expected in the coming days.

Mustaqbal