MOGADISHU — The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) conducted an overnight operation in the Maxaas district of the Hiiraan region, targeting a house where senior Al-Shabaab members were reportedly sheltering, according to a statement released by the agency.
The operation, which was carried out with support from international partners, inflicted heavy casualties on the militant group, with the target being key figures involved in the coordination and planning of operations in the region. The statement indicated that the individuals targeted had been actively engaged in planning and organising military activities in the area in recent months.
NISA has conducted several similar operations in recent months, targeting senior members and facilities belonging to the group in the Hiiraan region and elsewhere in central and southern Somalia. The agency has described these operations as part of ongoing intelligence-led efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. The Hiiraan region, which lies at the intersection of several key supply routes and border areas, has been a particular focus of these operations, as the group has maintained a significant presence in parts of the region.
NISA captured nine Al-Shabaab operatives in Mogadishu earlier this month, disrupting a network involved in planning attacks against civilians and government institutions. The operatives were reportedly active in the Garasbaaley, Kaxda, and Ceelasha Biyaha districts.
NISA forces eliminated eight Al-Shabaab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, including two commanders, targeting a cell responsible for mines and rocket attacks in the Basra area.
NISA has thwarted attacks and killed 23 militants in central operations, demonstrating the agency’s continued offensive posture against the group.
Somali intelligence agencies have seized weapons and ammunition in operations across the capital, disrupting militant supply lines and preventing potential attacks.
Danab commandos have also killed Al-Shabaab leaders in the Afgooye area, targeting a local finance and revenue chief and a leader responsible for attacks on civilians.
Critical Note
While the Maxaas operation represents a tactical success for NISA, the broader campaign against Al-Shabaab continues to face significant challenges. The group has demonstrated resilience, adapting its tactics and maintaining its ability to carry out attacks despite sustained military pressure. The group continues to control large areas of southern and central Somalia and has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to exploit political divisions and weak state institutions.
The effectiveness of operations like the one in Maxaas will ultimately be measured by the government’s ability to maintain security in liberated areas, prevent the group from regrouping, and address the underlying drivers of conflict, including corruption, clan grievances, and economic marginalisation. Concerns have also been raised about the impact of counter-terrorism operations on civilians, underscoring the need for strict adherence to international humanitarian law and robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that military actions do not undermine public trust or fuel further instability.
