12 militants killed in a joint intelligence operation in Somalia

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), backed by international partners, killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants in a planned operation in Bur Saruur village, Middle Shabelle region.

On Thursday (September 25, 2026), NISA forces targeted a gathering of the militants (referred to by the agency as “Khawaarij”) in Bur Saruur, about 2 kilometers southeast of the Cali-Gaduud (Ali Gaduud) area. The operation specifically hit a site where the fighters had assembled, destroying military equipment and the positions they were using for cover.

NISA said the raid went according to plan and that its forces are still pursuing remaining Al-Shabaab elements in the area to prevent further threats. The announcement was made via the agency’s official X account (@HSNQ_NISA).

This strike fits a recent pattern of intelligence-led operations by NISA against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle. Earlier in September, the agency reported killing a senior Al-Shabaab clan commander and three other militants in the Guulane and Al-Furqaan areas of the same region.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, continues to wage an insurgency against the Somali government and its allies. NISA regularly conducts targeted raids and collaborates with international partners as part of broader efforts to degrade the group’s capabilities.