Al-Shabaab Strike: Top Bombmaker Killed

04 Jan 2026 — 2 min read

Somalia security sweep: senior explosives chief killed; multiple operations hit Al-Shabaab

What happened: Somali security forces and international partners have carried out coordinated operations in recent days that officials say eliminated senior Al-Shabaab leaders and dozens of fighters across multiple regions. The Defense Minister named Abdullahi Osman Mohamed ("Engineer Ismail") — described as the group's explosives chief and a planner of major bombings — among those killed in a strike in Jilib; another leader, Abdikarim Mohamed Hersi ("Qoorleex"), was also reported killed. Separate Danab special-forces operations in Buula Fuleey (Bay) reportedly killed more than 20 militants and destroyed an Al-Shabaab radio station; forces also say they have struck militants in Middle Juba and besieged around 500 fighters near Jabad Godane (as reported by the defense ministry).
Why it matters: Officials say removing senior operational and propaganda leaders and striking militant hubs undermines the group's command, media and explosives capabilities — potentially limiting future large attacks if confirmed.
Sources: Defense minister statement (primary); also from: NISA/targeted strike report, Danab operation in Buula Fuleey

Elections / Governance: Somalia assumed the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, placing Mogadishu’s delegation in charge of the Council’s agenda for the month. (Source: SONNA)
Parliament / Health: The House of the People approved a Medicine Bill, with 141 MPs voting in favor, one abstention and no votes against. (Source: SONNA)
Security — local operations: Gor-Gor Commando forces, the 14 October Brigade and NISA say they have taken control of the Jilib Marka area in Lower Shabelle after a planned operation; residents reportedly welcomed the forces. (Source: SONNA)
Security — counter-attack: The Somali National Army and local community forces say they foiled an attempted Khawaarij assault on Wargaadhi (Middle Shabelle), killing the militant commander leading the attack and restoring security to the area. (Source: SONNA)
Administration / ID policy: The Immigration and Citizenship Agency postponed the new National ID requirement for domestic travel from Jan 1 to March 1, 2026, citing the need to give citizens time to complete biometric registration. (Source: SONNA)
Economy / energy: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced hydrocarbons drilling will begin in Galmudug in May and closed the Heritage Institute forum in Dhusamareb, reiterating calls for unity and noting nearly 4.4 million Somalis are affected by drought (as stated by the PM). (Source: SONNA)

Residents of the Jilib Marka area reportedly welcomed national forces after the Gor-Gor operation, saying they had suffered extortion and intimidation under militants. (Source: SONNA)
Prime Minister Hamza met community members in Dhusamareb; officials and citizens greeted him alongside Galmudug leaders during the Heritage Forum events. (Source: SONNA)
After the Danab operation in Buula Fuleey, local reports note the destruction of an Al-Shabaab radio station used for propaganda. (Source: SONNA)

Official confirmation and independent verification of the identities and roles of the senior militant leaders reported killed (follow government and NISA updates). (Sources above)
Outcome of the reported siege of ~500 militants near Jabad Godane — will forces announce a resolution or capture numbers? (Source: SONNA)
Progress on the March 1 roll-out of the National ID requirement for domestic travel and public registration rates. (Source: SONNA)
Preparations and permitting ahead of the planned May start of oil drilling in Galmudug (announcements on contractors, sites or environmental plans). (Source: SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.