The Somali National Army conducted a planned special operation in the Hantiwadaag area of Lower Shabelle, eliminating key Al-Shabaab leader Abdisalam Moallim Abukar, who had long been responsible for recruiting new militants and collecting extortion payments forcibly imposed on the people.
The leader had been tracked for some time, with the Somali National Armed Forces closely monitoring his movements. He was ultimately targeted in a special operation conducted on 10 July 2026, while inside a house in the Hantiwadaag area.
The operation also seriously wounded Moallim Da’ud, a senior Al-Shabaab leader responsible for what the group refers to as surveillance and internal security.
Information received has confirmed that Al-Shabaab buried Abdisalam Moallim Abukar today in the Hantiwadaag area.
At the time they were targeted, the two leaders were engaged in plotting terrorist acts and plans aimed at harming the Somali people.
The Ministry of Defence and the Command of the Somali National Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to continuing special operations targeting Al-Shabaab leaders wherever they hide.
