Two senior leaders of the Al-Shabaab militant group were killed in a targeted airstrike carried out on Sunday near Jamaame district in Somalia’s Lower Jubba region, according to security sources.
The planned operation took place in the areas of Jabi and Lagta Dhasheega-Riqata, several kilometers from Mogambo village, and targeted key figures within the group identified as Sheikh Hussein and Burhaan.
Sheikh Hussein was reportedly responsible for the group’s border security operations, while Burhaan headed what the militants referred to as the “Jubba Mobile Forces.”
The airstrike was conducted with the support of international partners, including the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).
In addition to the two leaders, 17 Al-Shabaab militants serving as their security escorts were also killed during the strike while accompanying the commanders.
Security officials stated that the targeted leaders and their entourage had been under close surveillance for an extended period by Jubaland security forces, the Somali National Army (SNA), and international partners. The intelligence-gathering effort ultimately led to the successful execution of the precision operation.
The latest strike comes amid an intensified military campaign against Al-Shabaab across the Jubba regions. In recent weeks, Jubaland forces and the Somali National Army have significantly stepped up operations aimed at dismantling militant strongholds and disrupting the group’s activities in southern Somalia.
Authorities view the elimination of the two senior commanders as a significant setback for the militant group and part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.
