MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency, working with international partners, killed two senior al-Shabab figures in separate operations, officials said.
The operations targeted a senior liaison between the militant group and international networks, as well as the head of its suicide bombers.
In an operation on the 19th between Kuunyo Barrow and Jilib in Middle Jubba, NISA killed Abdihamid Ali Abdullahi Macalin, officials said.
Officials said he coordinated links between al-Shabab and foreign extremist groups, oversaw weapons and explosives smuggling, and played a central role in attacks.
In a separate operation on the 15th in Ugunji, Lower Shabelle, forces killed Suleyman Omar Fidow, also known by several aliases, officials said.
He led the group’s suicide bombing unit and previously headed its intelligence wing, officials said, adding he was being groomed for a senior role.
Authorities said Fidow was set to replace a senior explosives and indoctrination leader known as Engineer Ismail, killed in a planned operation.
The killings are part of ongoing efforts by Somali security forces and partners to weaken al-Shabab and dismantle its leadership networks.
