Somalia’s intelligence agency says its forces, backed by international partners, killed 12 Al-Shabaab fighters and destroyed militant positions in a planned operation in Middle Shabelle.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), backed by international partners, said it had killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants in a planned operation in the central Shabelle region.
The operation took place in Bur Saruur village, about two kilometres southeast of Ali-Gaduud, where intelligence officers targeted what NISA described as a gathering point for Al-Shabaab fighters.
NISA said in a statement that 12 members of the armed group were killed during the operation and military equipment belonging to the militants was destroyed.
The agency did not identify the international partners involved in the operation or provide further details about the equipment destroyed.
NISA said its forces also destroyed shelters and other positions used by the militants in the area. The operation was intended to disrupt Al-Shabaab's activities and weaken its ability to operate in parts of Middle Shabelle.
According to the agency, the operation was planned in advance and focused on a location where Al-Shabaab fighters had gathered. NISA said the mission was completed as planned, while its forces continued searching the area for militants who fled during the operation.
The reported operation comes as Somali government forces, supported by international partners, continue military operations against Al-Shabaab in several parts of the country.
Middle Shabelle has been a key area in Somalia's campaign against the militant group, with government forces seeking to regain control of territory and prevent Al-Shabaab from maintaining bases and moving fighters and supplies between areas under its influence.
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NISA said its forces were continuing operations against Al-Shabaab fighters in other parts of the region, with the aim of disrupting the group's movements and preventing further attacks.
Al-Shabaab, which has fought the Somali government for more than 15 years, remains capable of carrying out attacks despite losing some territory in recent military operations. The group has conducted bombings, ambushes and attacks on military and civilian targets in Somalia and neighbouring countries.
The latest operation also comes amid continued efforts by Somalia and its international security partners to strengthen government forces as responsibility for national security increasingly shifts to Somali institutions.
Somalia has received military and logistical support from international partners in its fight against Al-Shabaab, including air support and training for national security forces.
NISA regularly announces operations against the militant group, but battlefield claims are often difficult to independently verify because access to areas where fighting takes place is limited.
The agency did not report any casualties among its own forces or civilians in the Bur Saruur operation. It also did not say whether any weapons or other equipment were seized during the raid.
The government has pledged to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab as part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling the group's networks and expanding the reach of state security institutions across Somalia.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
