International partners, working in close coordination with Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), carried out a precision-targeted operation on December 10 in Jilib district of Middle Juba region, killing two senior Al-Shabaab operatives, Somali security officials confirmed.
Those killed were identified as Abdullahi Osman Mohamed, widely known by his alias “Engineer Ismail,” and Abdikarim Mohamed Hirsi, also known as “Qoorleex.” Both men were described as key figures within the militant group’s leadership structure.
Engineer Ismail was regarded as one of Al-Shabaab’s most senior and dangerous operatives. He served as the group’s chief architect for explosives, oversaw the so-called Amniyat units, and played a leading role in its propaganda and disinformation wing, Al-Kataaib. Somali authorities said he was among the most wanted figures, with a reported $5 million bounty on his head.
According to security sources, Engineer Ismail was a central planner behind several major attacks, including the October 14 bombing, and other incidents that targeted civilians and public infrastructure across Somalia.
The second operative, Abdikarim Mohamed Hirsi (Qoorleeh), was also a senior member of Al-Shabaab’s disinformation apparatus and was specifically responsible for coordinating activities in the Juba regions, officials said.