Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said on Sunday that it carried out a targeted operation against the al-Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab, killing 13 members, including five senior figures, in the Middle Shabelle region.

According to NISA, the operation took place near Maha Saed, where intelligence forces targeted a meeting of al-Shabaab leaders believed to be planning attacks and coercing local communities into providing support.

“The targeted bloodthirsty leaders were holding a meeting where they intended to plot terrorist conspiracies and pressure local communities into forced support,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the operation brought their activities to an end at the scene.

NISA identified the killed leaders as Moalim Aseyr, Moalim Muhumed Ahmed Hassan, Sheikh Ali Guuraale, Abdirahman Sheikh Ali Dhegey, and Moalim Adey, saying they were responsible for terrorist operations in Middle Shabelle, Galgaduud and Bay regions.

The agency also said eight additional militants, including three leaders, were seriously injured during the operation.

Somalia’s Information Minister Daud Aweis said the raid disrupted planned attacks across three provinces.

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting civilians, security forces and government officials.

Since July last year, Somali forces, backed by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and international partners, have intensified operations against the group. The AU mission’s mandate was renewed by the UN Security Council in December, extending its authorisation until 31 December.

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