National media has learned that key figures of the Khawaarij group were killed in the latest offensive against the terrorist group in Somalia. The joint operation was conducted by the Somali National Army, local forces, and international partners, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 Khawaarij fighters in the Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Jubbaland States. The operation, which lasted for over 72 hours, targeted and eliminated several key militant leaders, including commanders of different districts, the illegal tax collection commander for the Middle Shabelle region, and a high-ranking commander in the group. The operation also resulted in the capture of numerous militants, the confiscation of weapons and supplies, and the dismantling of the militants’ base in the area.
The offensive was launched in response to the escalating threat posed by the Khawaarij group in the region. This group has been responsible for numerous attacks against the Somali government, local residents, and international partners, leading to loss of life and widespread destruction. The joint operation aimed to weaken the group’s capabilities, disrupt their activities, and ultimately defeat them.
The Deputy Minister of Information of Somalia, Abdirahman Yusuf Sheikh Adala, told the Somali National News Agency SONNA that the operation was part of a wider push against the militants. The Somali National Army also pursued operations in Hiiraan in Hirshabelle State, Mudug in Galmudug State, and the lower Jubba region in Jubaland State.
In the operation, five members of the Somali National Army were martyred, and seven others sustained injuries. However, the success of the operation marks a significant victory in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. The Somali government remains committed to eradicating the militant threat and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. It recognizes the importance of the continued support of the Somali people and international partners in the fight against terrorism. The government also encourages the local residents to continue to work closely with the security forces in identifying and reporting any suspicious activities or individuals in their communities.
Notably, the operation was able to target and eliminate several key militant leaders. These included Yusuf Ali Sheikh, the commander of Fiidow district, Salad Mohamed Siyad (also known as Amin Owbanle), the illegal tax collection commander for the Middle Shabelle region, Abdukadir Nur Guled (known as Dabaashe), a high-ranking commander in the group, and Mohamed Indhofiiq, a commander who had fled to the Afcad area.
The elimination of these militant leaders is expected to deal a significant blow to the Khawaarij group’s operational capacity, as these individuals held crucial positions within the organization.
In addition to eliminating these militant leaders, the operation resulted in the capture of numerous militants, both wounded and healthy, including a key commander of the Mudug region’s health and security operations, Salman Dahir. Furthermore, the national army successfully intercepted a group of militants attempting to escape to various locations, significantly reducing their capacity to cause harm.
The operation was also able to seize a considerable amount of equipment and supplies belonging to the militants across different locations where the operations took place. Additionally, the national army was able to capture several of the militants’ hideouts, leading to the retrieval and confiscation of a significant cache of weapons and ammunition that the militants had previously used.
The successful operation against the Khawaarij group marks a significant victory in the fight against terrorism in Somalia. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Somali people and their partners in the face of a persistent threat. The Somali government will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and to promote peace and stability in the country.
By Abdiqani Abdullahi
