NISA Kills Three Senior Al-Shabaab Commanders in Hiiraan Operation

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) forces, in cooperation with international partners, killed three senior Al-Shabaab terrorist commanders and seriously wounded senior commander Mustaf Caato, in a planned operation conducted on August 12, 2026, in Maxaas district of Hiiraan region, targeting a house where senior commanders were staying.

Mustaf Caato, one of Al-Shabaab’s key militant commanders and the group’s head of what it calls the Hiiraan Fronts, sustained serious injuries in the operation and was later transported from Maxaas district to El Buur district for treatment. He had long been involved in planning and coordinating terrorist attacks and had previously overseen the explosives and suicide bombers section.

The other militant commanders killed in the operation were Abdi Haafid, who was part of the explosives section; Daalibaan, who was part of the Hiiraan regional reinforcement section; and Omar Hussein, who commanded part of what the group calls its Fronts. Senior commanders Mohamed Eeney and Salaad Buur were also seriously wounded.

Commander Mustaf Caato had long been among the security agencies’ high-priority targets, playing a leadership role in organizing and fighting on behalf of Al-Shabaab. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to weaken the group’s capabilities and leadership.

Citizens are urged to share any security threats or information related to Al-Shabaab and Daesh with NISA through 199, 0770 747474 or 0620 545454.