Somalia says Al-Shabaab intelligence chief killed in Jilib operation
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it has killed Abdullahi Hashi Labajir, also known as Ikhlaas, whom it identified as the overall head of intelligence for Al-Shabaab. NISA said Ikhlaas was killed on August 23, 2026, during a planned operation carried out jointly by Somali security forces and international partners in Jilib District, […]
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced the killing of Abdullahi Hashi Labajir, also known as Ikhlaas, during a joint operation conducted on August 23, 2026, in Jilib District, Middle Juba Region. Ikhlaas served as the overall head of intelligence for the militant group Al-Shabaab since 2013. The operation was carried out in collaboration with international partners, marking a recent effort to weaken the militant group’s command structure.
NISA described Ikhlaas as one of the most important figures in Al-Shabaab’s senior leadership due to his role in overseeing the group’s intelligence operations. The agency did not disclose the identities of the international partners involved or provide further details on the aircraft used or any other casualties. The killing of a senior intelligence official could have implications for Al-Shabaab’s leadership and intelligence network, though the immediate impact remains uncertain. Jilib, in Middle Juba, is considered an important area for Al-Shabaab activities.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
