Somali security forces in South West State captured a key Al-Shabaab media operative during a failed militant assault on a military outpost in the town of Waajid, security officials confirmed.
The suspect, identified as Abdullahi Ahmed Mohamed, known by the alias Abdi Aziz, was reportedly documenting the attack on video when he was apprehended. Authorities said he played a prominent role in Al-Shabaab’s media wing, producing propaganda videos designed to amplify the group’s battlefield claims.
The attack occurred early Saturday morning, targeting a government military base in Waajid, a district in the Bakool region. Officials said South West State troops repelled the militants after a brief firefight, killing several and capturing others. No casualties were reported among government forces.
Mohamed was arrested at the scene and is being held at a detention facility in Waajid, where he is under interrogation. Security forces also recovered the video recording equipment he was using at the time of the assault.
In a related security operation, forces uncovered and dismantled several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted near the town’s airstrip and along the main road connecting the airfield to Waajid. Authorities said the explosives were likely intended to disrupt military movements and target supply lines.
The operation comes as government forces lead an offensive against Al-Shabaab in southern and central Somalia. The group, which has waged an insurgency for more than 15 years, continues to carry out guerrilla attacks despite losing territory to Somali forces backed by local militias and international partners.
South West State officials say operations in Bakool and surrounding regions will continue as part of efforts to restore security and dismantle Al-Shabaab’s remaining infrastructure, including its propaganda arms.
