Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced it had killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander during a planned operation in Hiiraan region. The figure, identified as Hussein Abdullahi Dalab and known by the alias Caamir, was said to be responsible for coordinating bombings and attacks that caused widespread civilian and military losses across Hirshabelle.

Targeted Operation in Show Area

The operation was carried out in the Show locality of Hiiraan, where NISA said Caamir was hiding. According to the agency’s statement, the raid was specifically planned and conducted without casualties among the government forces involved. No visual evidence of the commander’s death was released, but officials insisted the mission was successful.

Profile of the Commander

Caamir had long been in charge of Al-Shabaab’s security wing in Hiiraan, overseeing logistics and organizing attacks. Authorities accuse him of directing deadly operations that claimed lives of both civilians and soldiers. His removal, officials argue, is a significant setback to the group’s capacity to coordinate fighters and maintain supply routes in central and southern Somalia.

Broader Counterinsurgency Efforts

The strike comes as NISA intensifies its campaign of targeted operations against Al-Shabaab leadership. Over the past weeks, government forces have escalated pressure, aiming to weaken the insurgency’s structure and pave the way for federal control over contested areas. Officials describe these operations as part of a broader strategy to “degrade and dismantle” the group’s command network.