Somali Forces Kill Nine Al Shabab Militants, Destroy Bomb-Making Equipment

Somali intelligence and international forces killed nine Al Shabab militants, including senior bomb-makers, in Lower Shabelle, destroying six explosive-making engines as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the group and prevent future attacks.

At least nine members of the Al Shabab terrorist group, including key bomb-making specialists, were killed in coordinated operations carried out by Somali intelligence in collaboration with international forces in the southern Lower Shabelle region on Saturday. According to a statement by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), the operation also resulted in the destruction of six heavy engines used by the group to manufacture explosives, significantly disrupting their capacity to carry out attacks.
The NISA statement identified those killed as including “senior commanders” Abiikar Nuur, who oversaw the use of engines and vehicles, and Abdifitah Mohamed Hassan, the chief mechanic responsible for preparing car bombs. Authorities emphasized that these targeted operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Al Shabab’s bases and organizational networks, while preventing future terrorist plots.
The Somali government often refers to Al Shabab as Khawarij, a term historically used to describe extremist insurgents. For over 16 years, Al Shabab has been responsible for numerous attacks against the Somali government, security forces, officials, and civilians, often targeting public gatherings and infrastructure.
Since July of last year, the Somali army, with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, has intensified operations against the group to strengthen central government authority and improve regional security. The AUSSOM mandate was renewed for another year by the United Nations Security Council in December, with a UK-backed resolution extending authorization for peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts until December 31.
These recent operations reflect the Somali government’s commitment to curbing Al Shabab’s influence, disrupting their operational networks, and protecting civilians from future attacks.