Somalia: Intelligence agency says nine Al-Shabaab militants killed in raid

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Saturday that its forces, supported by international partners, carried out coordinated operations in the Lower Shabelle region, killing nine members of Al-Shabaab and destroying equipment used to produce explosives.

In a statement, NISA said the first operation took place in the area of Kuunyo Barrow, where security forces targeted what the agency described as a key militant facility. Six large generators allegedly used in the production of improvised explosive devices were burned during the raid.

The agency said six fighters, including individuals it described as senior operatives, were killed in the operation. It did not provide their identities.

A second operation was conducted near Tugaareey, where militants were sheltering in a wooded area, according to the statement. Three additional fighters were killed, and others fled the scene.

NISA said the operations were part of ongoing efforts by Somali authorities to weaken al-Shabab’s operational capacity and dismantle its infrastructure across southern Somalia. Security officials added that similar operations would continue until threats posed by al-Shabab and militants linked to the Islamic State group are eliminated.

Al-Shabab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, frequently carries out attacks targeting government officials, security forces, and civilians in its bid to topple Somalia’s federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.

GAROWE ONLINE