The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the operation took place in Ceel-weyne village near Ceel-baraf, Mahaday district, with support from international partners.

It described the strike as pre-emptive, aimed at militants reorganizing after recent setbacks.

Planned Operation in Ceel-Weyne

According to NISA, the raid was intelligence-led and targeted militants regrouping after earlier setbacks. Twenty-three fighters, including senior commanders, were killed when forces advanced on the site.

Authorities said the position was being used to plan operations against Somali security institutions and nearby towns.

The agency stressed that the operation was “well-planned” and executed without civilian casualties, noting that nearby residents had been warned in advance.

Officials said the group’s regrouping efforts in Ceel-weyne followed earlier defeats in the same district.

Follow-Up Actions and Public Cooperation

NISA confirmed this was the second major operation in the area within days — a previous raid on 30 October had also inflicted “heavy losses” on Al-Shabaab.

The agency said continued pressure in Middle Shabelle is key to denying the group freedom of movement and disrupting its financing routes.

Officials renewed calls for public vigilance, urging citizens to share information on suspicious activity via hotlines 199, 0770747474, and 0620545454.

The agency framed this as part of an integrated security approach combining field intelligence and community reporting.