Somali Forces Kill Senior al-Shabaab Financier in Targeted Operation, Officials Say

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) killed a senior Al-Shabaab operative, officials said, noting that the slain leader had been in charge of the group’s finances within Hudur, responsible for receiving and handling money on behalf of the militants.

The operation was launched in south south-southwestern parts of Hudur and was meant to neutralise Al-Shabaab militants within the area. The militants had made significant gains in recent weeks in the central and southern regions.

Reports indicate that the militant had served in multiple roles within the Al-Qaeda–linked group, most recently as its financial officer. He was also accused of forcibly recruiting children into the group’s ranks, a crime against humanity.

The military has yet to make the name of the slain militant known to the public due to the sensitivity of the operations. Several militants were also killed during the operation, which comes at a time when the country is sponsoring operations against the group.

The operation also dismantled a network of Al-Shabaab operatives active in the region, the statement added. The Somali government is working closely with the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in pursuit of the fleeing militants.

More al-Shabaab fighters have lost their lives in recent months, with Friday's operation at Barire town leaving the highest number of militants dead in recent times. Over 100 fighters were killed as security officers took control of the town.

The al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of rural central and southern regions of the country and has managed to seize Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, and Mahas towns in recent weeks, dealing a blow to the national army. 

GAROWE ONLINE