Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in close collaboration with international allies, conducted a successful overnight counter-terrorism operation near the Gayacad junction in the Hiiraan region, killing at least 15 fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab militant group, officials confirmed on Monday.
The operation, which took place late Sunday night, consisted of three coordinated raids aimed at disrupting militant activity in central Somalia. Security forces targeted suspected Al-Shabaab fighters and mid-level commanders who, according to intelligence, were regrouping and mobilizing from Aadan Yabaal and Ceel Cali Axmed districts in the Middle Shabelle region.
NISA said the militants were believed to be en route to reinforce encircled Al-Shabaab units that are currently under pressure from Somali and allied forces in the Hiiraan region—a key frontline in the ongoing effort to dismantle the group’s strongholds in central Somalia.
“Timely intelligence allowed us to launch a preemptive strike on militant elements before they could reach their intended positions,” a senior intelligence official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “All three raids were carried out with precision and resulted in significant militant casualties.”
The operation took place in remote and wooded terrain, where militants have often relied on natural cover and local familiarity to avoid detection. However, NISA reported that despite these conditions, the mission achieved all of its strategic goals without sustaining any casualties among Somali or partner forces.
The Hiiraan region, located in the heart of Somalia, has been a focal point of the federal government’s intensified military campaign against Al-Shabaab. Backed by local clan militias and international military advisors, Somali forces have reclaimed several towns and strategic areas over the past year as part of a broader push to weaken the group’s territorial control and operational capabilities.
Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s internationally recognized government for over 15 years, remains active across large parts of the country, carrying out frequent attacks on civilians, government institutions, and military targets. The group has also repeatedly targeted security forces with ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), particularly in the central and southern regions.
Sunday night’s operation underscores the growing coordination between Somali intelligence and its foreign partners, including those providing surveillance, logistics, and tactical support. Somali authorities have repeatedly emphasized that disrupting the flow of fighters and supplies to Al-Shabaab’s active cells is critical to maintaining momentum in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign.
As of Monday, NISA said it continues to monitor the situation in the region and warned that further operations may follow if intelligence points to additional militant movements or regrouping efforts.
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