Top Al-Shabaab Bomb Maker Among Senior Militants Killed, Says Defence Minister
Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi speaks to state media on counterterrorism operations.
Somalia’s Minister of Defensce, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has provided detailed updates on a series of coordinated counterterrorism operations carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) in collaboration with international partners across several regions of the country.
Speaking to state media, the minister confirmed the killing of a senior Al-Shabaab commander, Eng. Abdullahi Osman Mohamed Abukar, widely known as “Engineer Ismail.” He said the militant leader was killed during a targeted operation in Jilib district, Middle Juba region, a long-standing stronghold and training hub for the group.
According to the minister, Engineer Ismail was responsible for explosives, internal security, and external operations within Al-Shabaab and was being prepared to replace the group’s leader Ahmed Diriye. He was linked to several major attacks, including the Ceel-Gaab incident targeting the Somali president, the Godka Jilacow attack, the Jaalle Siyaad military college bombing, the Zoobe junction bombing of 2017, and other deadly attacks that claimed the lives of thousands of civilians.
The defense minister also confirmed the killing of another senior militant, Abdikarim Mohamed Hirsi (Qoorleex), who was responsible for external operations, including terrorist activities in neighboring countries. His death, the minister said, has caused widespread disarray and internal disruption within the militant group.
Minister Fiqi praised the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for providing critical intelligence that enabled the successful operations, and also thanked the United States government for its support in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.
In a separate update, the minister confirmed that a special operation in Buula Fuleey area of Bay region killed 20 Al-Shabaab commanders and fighters and destroyed the group’s propaganda outlet, Radio Al-Andalus, which had been used to spread misinformation and extremist ideology.
He further revealed that militants suffered heavy losses in Wargaadhi area of Middle Shabelle region, where more than 20 fighters were killed and 30 wounded during a failed attack that was decisively repelled by government forces.
Additionally, the minister said Somali forces have encircled around 500 Al-Shabaab fighters near Jabad Godane, urging them to surrender. He warned that if they refuse, the government will eliminate the remaining militants in the coming days.
The defense minister said the ongoing operations reflect the government’s firm commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring lasting security across Somalia.
