Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it carried out a special operation on Sunday targeting Al-Shabaab militants in the Maxaa Saciid area of Middle Shabelle region.
In a statement, NISA said the operation killed 13 members of the group, including five senior commanders. The militants were reportedly holding a meeting at the time of the attack.
NISA said the targeted leaders were planning terrorist attacks and pressuring local communities to provide forced support.
“These commanders were meeting to organize terrorist acts and intimidate civilians. The operation ended their activities on the spot,” the agency said.
NISA identified the killed commanders as Moalim Aseyr, Moalim Maxamuud Ahmed Hassan, Sheikh Ali Guuraale, Abdirahman Sheikh Ali Dhegey, and Moalim Addey. The agency said they were responsible for insecurity in Middle Shabelle, Galgaduud, and Bay regions.
The agency also confirmed that eight other Al-Shabaab members, including three commanders, were seriously injured in the operation.
Since July last year, Somali forces, supported by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and international partners, have intensified military operations against Al-Shabaab.