Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced a significant victory in the ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group that has been wreaking havoc in the country for over a decade. In a planned operation supported by international partners, NISA targeted Al-Shabaab fighters in Ceel-weyne, a village in the Ceel-baraf area of Mahadaay district, Middle Shabelle region.
The operation resulted in the deaths of 23 militants, including commanders and foot soldiers, according to NISA's statement. This follows intelligence confirming that Al-Shabaab had gathered fighters in the area to organize operations threatening local security. A similar operation on October 30 had already inflicted heavy losses on the group in the same area.
NISA's commitment to civilian safety was evident, as the agency emphasized that no civilians were harmed during the operation. "The safety of local communities is our priority, and the security forces continue to take steps to prevent Al-Shabaab from carrying out attacks in the region," the statement read.
Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda, has been engaged in an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, regularly targeting government forces, local authorities, and civilians. This latest operation highlights the ongoing efforts by NISA and its partners to disrupt Al-Shabaab's activities and protect the people of Somalia.
