Somalia: Targeted elimination of Al-Shabaab leadership in Lower Shabelle

In a decisive counterterrorism operation, the Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos neutralized Jaabir, a senior Al-Shabaab operative and the group’s head of mines in the Lower Shabelle region, along with eight of his bodyguards. This meticulously planned mission, executed in the Bariire area, resulted in the destruction of key militant hideouts, bases, and bunkers used for orchestrating attacks and assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against civilians and security forces. The Federal Government of Somalia confirmed Jaabir’s death, emphasizing the operation’s significance in disrupting Al-Shabaab’s operational infrastructure. Security officials have characterized this strike as a substantial setback to the insurgent group’s capabilities in one of its most active strongholds. The Somali National Army, in collaboration with international partners, remains committed to intensifying efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s command structure and eradicate its leadership across southern and central Somalia. This operation underscores the ongoing resolve to restore stability and security in the region through targeted, intelligence-driven military actions.