Mogadishu, (SONNA) — Acting on intelligence and long-term surveillance, the Somali National Armed Forces, on Saturday night conducted a special operation that neutralised senior Al-Shabaab commander, Hussein Moallim Hassan, (Magaalabeen). The operation took place near Buurdhuxunle, 17km north of Waajid, Bakool region.
Hussein had been a key figure in Al-Shabaab for over 15 years and was one of the group’s most wanted figures. He played a critical role in planning and executing terrorist attacks against civilians across Hiiraan, Middle and Lower Shabelle, Mudug, Galgaduud, Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions.
During his time in the group, Hussein held several senior positions, including operational commander in Bay, Bakool and Gedo, head of taxation in Bakool, chief of intelligence in the Shabelle regions and Hiraan, and deputy to Fu’ad Mohamed Shangole, in charge of propaganda and radical indoctrination.
His elimination marks a strategic gain in the continued campaign to degrade the group’s leadership structure. It also demonstrates the firm commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia and its armed forces to protect civilians, restore stability, and ensure the total defeat of terrorism in all parts of the country.
The Ministry of Defence commends the Somali National Army for the professionalism and resolve shown in this operation and reaffirms that such precision strikes against the outfit’s leadership will continue until the group is decisively defeated.
