Somalia: Senior Al Shabaab commander killed in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia- Senior Al Shabaab commander has been killed on Thursday in operation carried out by the Somali forces in the capital Mogadishu, Garowe Online reports.

Mogadishu Mayor spokesman Abditiftah Omar Halane has confirmed the reports and said that Somalia's National Intelligence and security Agency (NISA) forces killed the commander identified as as Ja'far in Huriwa district at early hours on Thursday morning.

"NISA forces have executed an Al Shabaab member named Ja'far who has been the head of the group's operation in Suqa market area in Mogadishu following a tip off from residents," Halane said in a Facebook post.

Local residents in Huriwa district said more than 25 people were detained by the Somali Police in connection with recent Al Shabaab attacks and killings in Mogadishu over the past few days.

Last night, Somali security forces have engaged in deadly battle with armed Al Shabaab militants near old factory in Suqa Holaha area before the murder of Ja'far.

At least three Al Shabaab fighters were killed in the battle, according to the residents.

Mogadishu has witnessed surge in attacks and assassinations against security force members, clan elders who involved in the electoral process since the election of the new President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo last February.

GAROWEONLINE