NISA kills mastermind behind jilacow attack in targeted operation

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (National Intelligence and Security Agency), in coordination with international partners, has killed a senior operative of Al-Shabaab in a planned overnight operation in Lower Shabelle region, authorities confirmed on Monday.

According to an official statement, the operation took place in the Hantiwadaag area under Awdheegle district. The slain militant was described as the mastermind behind several high-profile attacks carried out in 2025 that resulted in the deaths of civilians, security officers, and members of Somalia’s national armed forces.

The individual, who reportedly operated under multiple aliases including Kamaaludiin Yuunis Mohamed, Saalim Nuur Sheekh Cabdiraxiim, Caraale, and Cabdullaahi Xasan Cali, was accused of coordinating and directing a network responsible for major attacks. These include the October 4, 2025 attack at Jilacow, the July 9, 2025 suicide bombing at Jaalle Siyaad Military College, and the December 10, 2025 assault on the General Dhega-Badan Training School at Xero Nacnac.

Security officials stated that the suspect directly managed operational cells that carried out bombings and armed assaults targeting both civilian and military sites.

NISA said the operation followed more than 150 days of intelligence tracking and surveillance. Authorities noted that particular care was taken to avoid civilian casualties, as the suspect frequently used densely populated civilian areas as cover. He was reportedly moving between several locations in Lower Shabelle, including Mubaarak, Ugunji, Daarusalaam, Hantiwadaag, Kurtunwaarey, and Gendershe.

The agency described the strike as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and bring those responsible for deadly attacks to justice. Officials emphasized that operations targeting militant leadership and operational planners will continue until full security and lasting stability are achieved across the country.

NISA also urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by reporting potential threats or information related to extremist groups, reiterating that public collaboration remains essential in the fight against terrorism.

Lower Shabelle remains a key focus of counterterrorism operations due to its strategic location and history of militant activity. Analysts say the killing of senior operational planners could disrupt the group’s ability to coordinate complex attacks, though they caution that sustained efforts will be necessary to maintain security gains.