Sunday December 17, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - In a joint operation between the Federal Government of Somalia and United States forces, a high-ranking leader of the Al-Shabaab militant group was killed in a drone strike on December 17 in the Middle Jubba region. The targeted Al-Shabaab leader, whose name has not been released, played a crucial role in the group's militant operations.
In a press release, the Somali government confirmed the successful execution of the operation with no civilian casualties or collateral damage.
Commending the efforts of the Somali National Army and US forces, the government's statement highlighted the operation's strategic importance in disrupting Al-Shabaab's capabilities.
The government has reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating Al-Shabaab, emphasizing the need for national unity and cooperation with security forces.
In October 2022, a similar joint US-Somali operation eliminated Abdullahi Nadir, also known as Abdullahi Yare, a co-founder of Al-Shabaab. Yare, the subject of a $3 million bounty by the US since 2012, was a significant figure within the group. As a potential successor to the current Al-Shabaab leader, Ahmed Diriye, Yare's death marked a significant setback for the group.
The Somali government expects to release further details about the operation and its implications on Al-Shabaab's activities in the region.