Somalia: NISA Conducts Targeted Operations Against al-Shabaab Leadership in Hiran Region

SOMALIA — On May 15 the Somalian National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) carried out planned operations in the Buq-aqable area of Hiran region against al-Shabaab.

NISA forces monitoring movements of senior al-Shabaab leaders who had reached the area launched a heavy attack on a location where they were organizing militias.

The operations seriously wounded three named senior leaders and included successive strikes on training sites burning five vehicles including three BG vehicles one equipped with a 39 (thirty-nine) anti-aircraft gun.

The actions form part of NISA’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with international partners, such as the United States, to weaken al-Shabaab operational capacity and disrupt threats to the country’s national security and stability.

NISA Operations Targeting al-Shabaab Command and Training Networks in Buq-aqable, Hiran Region

NISA forces launched the attack after monitoring the movements of senior al-Shabaab leaders. The strikes seriously wounded Ali Hussein the leader of the plotting militias in the Central Regions Mowliid Jiis the al-Shabaab representative in the Bulo-Burde district and Mohamed Hiran the al-Shabaab representative in the Jalalaqsi district.

Successive operations targeted locations where the group was training militias destroying vehicles and facilities used to organize militias.

International Partners Supporting Somali Counter-Terrorism Operations

NISA’s operations are conducted in collaboration with international partners. The United States, through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), provides support including coordinated airstrikes and training assistance to Somali forces in operations against al-Shabaab.

These partnerships enable intelligence sharing, operational planning, and direct support that enhance NISA’s ability to conduct targeted strikes on al-Shabaab leadership and infrastructure.

Official Statements

• National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), 15 May 2026: “NISA forces, which were monitoring the movements of these senior Khwarij leaders who had reached the Buq-aqable area, launched a heavy attack on a place where they were organizing, seriously wounding Ali Hussein, the leader of the plotting militias in the Central Regions, Mowliid Jiis, the Khwarij representative in the Bulo-Burde district, and Mohamed Hiran, the Khwarij representative in the Jalalaqsi district.”

• National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), 15 May 2026: “Also, successive operations were carried out against locations where the group was training militias, burning five vehicles, three of which were BG vehicles, one of which was equipped with a 39 (thirty-nine) anti-aircraft gun.”

• National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), 15 May 2026: “These planned operations are part of the ongoing efforts to weaken the power of the Khwarij, and to thwart any organization that disrupts the security and stability of the country.”