The suspect, Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known as “Sahm,” was apprehended on the north-western outskirts of Mubaraka by AUSSOM troops and SNAF Gorgor Unit 203. The 40-year-old battalion commander from Burhakaba has been affiliated with Al-Shabaab since 2009 and was residing in Ugunji at the time of his capture.
He was conducting reconnaissance on SNAF defensive positions in preparation for an attack, accompanied by a group of fighters, including foreign militants recently relocated from Jilib. He disclosed that an associate, Ismaaciil, a Kenyan national, had volunteered for a suicide mission, while another suspect, Salman, evaded capture.
Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja praised the troops’ vigilance and professionalism, and called for continued cooperation between security forces and local communities.
AUSSOM, alongside SNAF, reaffirmed its commitment to countering terrorist threats and advancing peace and security across Somalia.
