Somalia’s intelligence agency said it killed 12 al-Shabab militants, including a commander long sought by security forces, during a planned overnight operation near the town of Afgoye.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency said the raid targeted hideouts in the Jambaluul area of Lower Shabelle, where the group had been preparing explosives and coordinating attacks. The operation turned into close-range fighting, the agency said.
According to NISA, al-Shabab militants fired mortars toward civilian areas during the clashes, wounding several residents and two agency officers. The government said the injured officers and civilians are receiving medical care.
Somalia’s government expressed regret over the civilian casualties and said it will continue operations aimed at weakening al-Shabab, which it described as a threat to the country’s security, property and sovereignty.
