Mogadishu — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has carried out a targeted security operation against senior militant leaders in the Middle Shabelle region, in what authorities described as a significant blow to the group’s command structure.
According to official statements, the intelligence-led operation was conducted in the village of Maha-Said, where high-ranking members of Al-Shabaab — referred to by the government as “Kharijites” — were reportedly holding a meeting to coordinate planned attacks against civilians. The operation was launched while the meeting was underway and proceeded as planned, targeting the group’s senior leadership and disrupting its operational coordination.
Security officials said the raid forms part of ongoing efforts by Somali security agencies to dismantle militant networks, prevent imminent attacks, and strengthen national security through precision operations based on actionable intelligence.
The authorities did not immediately release detailed information on casualties or identities of those targeted. However, in the aftermath of the operation, reports circulating on social media alleged that a related drone strike in the area may have caused civilian casualties. Somali security agencies have not confirmed these claims, and no official figures regarding civilian harm have been released.
NISA reiterated that its operations are aimed at protecting civilians and maintaining stability, and said investigations are ongoing to assess the full outcome of the mission.
