Chief Al Shabab bomb-maker killed in Somalia strikes
Somalia's intelligence agency said those killed included Abdifitah Mohamed Hassan, the chief mechanic in charge of preparing car bombs.
At least nine Al Shabab terrorists, including key bomb-making specialists, were killed in operations carried out by Somali intelligence in collaboration with the international forces in the southern Lower Shabelle region on Saturday.
During the operation in the Lower Shabelle region, six heavy engines used by the terrorist group to manufacture explosives were also destroyed, Somalia’s Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said in a statement.
The NISA statement said those killed included "senior commanders" Abiikar Nuur, who oversaw engines and vehicles, and Abdifitah Mohamed Hassan, the chief mechanic in charge of preparing car bombs.
“These planned operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Khawarij bases and organizational networks, while preventing future terrorist plots,” the statement said.
Khawarij is a term the Somali government uses to describe the Al Shabab terrorist group.
Al Shabab has been carrying out terrorist attacks against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians.
Since last July, the Somali army, with the support of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, has stepped up operations against the group supporting the central government.
The AUSSOM’s mandate was renewed for another year by the UN Security Council in December, with a UK-backed resolution extending authorization until December 31.