Local Defence Forces Neutralise Two Senior Al-Shabaab Commanders in Middle Shabelle

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — Local Community Forces in the Middle Shabelle region conducted two operations against Al-Shabaab terrorists in the Daaru-Nicma and Tawakal areas on 21 August 2026, neutralising two of the group's commanders.

The forces targeted an Al-Shabaab hideout on the outskirts of Daaru-Nima, neutralising Hassan Hussein Hurshow, also known as Hassan Garabdheere.

Hurshow was responsible for the group's extortion activities, falsely presented as "zakat", in Cadcaddeey, Cadaan-Laxeey and Daaru-Nicma—all located within Ruun-Nirgood district in the Middle Shabelle region.

One of his bodyguards was also neutralised during the operation, while another Al-Shabaab militant was wounded.

In a separate operation conducted the same day in Tawakal, the Local Defence Forces neutralised another Al-Shabaab commander identified as Abdullahi Faadhuud.

The Ministry of Defence commends the growing people-led uprising against terrorism and the vital role of the Local Defence Forces in the national campaign to eradicate Al-Shabaab.