Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced it carried out a targeted operation in Moqokori district of Hiran region, killing three senior al-Shabaab leaders, among them Abdi Hiray. The agency said the operation was conducted with support from international partners and aimed at eliminating command networks threatening security in Hirshabelle.

Operation In Moqokori

According to NISA, the raid neutralised key figures responsible for organising attacks in Hiran and neighbouring areas. Several hideouts were also cleared in what officials described as a “pre-emptive strike” designed to protect civilians. Authorities vowed further offensives, underlining that central Somalia remains a priority in the ongoing campaign against al-Shabaab.

Why Hiran Matters Now

The Hiran region has become a focal point of the conflict, as al-Shabaab attempts to regain influence over trade corridors and rural strongholds. Analysts note that districts such as Moqokori, Tardo and Buq-Aqable form a contested belt critical to supply routes. Despite gains by federal forces, clashes in Middle Shabelle and Hiran highlight the insurgents’ resilience and the fragile nature of government control.

International Backing And Transition

Somalia’s security forces continue to receive external assistance, including U.S. airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab operatives and logistical hubs. These efforts run parallel to the drawdown of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with federal troops expected to assume greater responsibility. Officials argue that sustained pressure, combined with international support, is essential to limiting the group’s reach in central regions.