Mogadishu (SONNA): Somalia’s Police Counter-Terrorism Command, acting on intelligence, carried out a successful operation dubbed “Waabari” in the Jambaluul area of the Lower Shabelle region.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) participated in the operation, which took place on April 18, 2026, at around 9:00 a.m. Special counter-terrorism forces dismantled a checkpoint and a base used by Al-Shabaab militants to extort illegal taxes from civilians traveling along the road in Jambaluul.
During the operation, security forces killed a militant leader identified as Zakariye, who was responsible for issuing receipts used to collect extortion payments.
Two other militant leaders were wounded, including Hassan Abdirahman, responsible for the group’s activities in Jambaluul, and another commander identified as Geele.
Security forces also recovered extortion receipts, weapons, and a motorcycle belonging to the slain militant.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Somali Police Force, particularly its Counter-Terrorism Command, to respond to public complaints over illegal taxation imposed on civilians by Al-Shabaab militants.
