Somali Security Forces Eliminate Senior Al — Shabaab Commander. Mogadishu, Somalia — February 10, 2026 Lead Paragraph: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has successfully eliminated a senior Al-Shabaab commander during a joint operation in the Middle Juba region, according to official statements.
In a coordinated effort with international partners, NISA targeted and killed Mohamed Sahal Idle, also known as Abu Osama, near Saakow district.
Abu Osama was a close associate of Al — Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye (Abu Ubaidah) and was poised to replace the group’s finance chief, Abdullahi Wadaad, who was killed in a separate operation on January 23.
The targeted commander was deeply involved in Al — Shabaab’s extortion and looting network, specifically focusing on forcibly imposing illegal taxes on local residents. At the time of his death, Abu Osama was engaged in activities related to the collection of such taxes, according to security officials.
The Somali government confirmed that the operation is part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Al — Shabaab’s leadership structure and financial networks, emphasizing the commitment to protect civilians and restore security across the country. Further details regarding the involvement of international partners in the operation and the next steps in the campaign against Al-Shabaab are expected to be released in the coming days.
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Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
