(20-05-23) MOGADISHU – In an official statement released on Saturday, Somali National Army confirmed the death of Mahad Agadhub, Al-Shabaab’s chief responsible for administering Zakat in the Galgaduud region. Agadhub died of cardiac arrest while attempting to flee from government forces, following his apprehension during a planned operation in the Tawfiq area.
Agadhub, under intense scrutiny for his ties with the extremist group Al-Shabaab, served as the Zakat chief for areas including Meexaan, Tawfiq, Ali Afrax, Bud Bud, and Ceel-Raydab. His arrest occurred on Friday evening in Tawfiq, situated 15 kilometres north of Galcad.
Captain Mohamud Adan, speaking to Halqabsi News for the Somali National Army, shared details of Agadhub’s final moments. “The deceased tried to escape amidst the chaos, covering approximately three kilometres before succumbing to a heart attack,” he explained. Although Agadhub was also reported to have been hit by a bullet during his escape attempt, it appears that cardiac arrest was the primary cause of death.
The turbulent operation led to further successes for the government forces, with two Al-Shabaab militants involved in the attack arrested. This progress underlines the government’s dedication to combating terrorism and enhancing stability within the Galgaduud region.
Abdi Guled, a Somali security analyst speaking to Halqabsi News, highlighted the significance of these operations. “Military endeavours like this are essential for achieving peace and security. Agadhub’s death will notably disrupt the extremist network’s Zakat operations in the region,” Guled stated.
This military campaign is part of a broader strategy to neutralize the long-standing Al-Shabaab insurgency. With Agadhub’s death, there’s widespread anticipation of a reshuffling within Al-Shabaab’s Zakat administration. However, it remains to be seen how the extremist group will address the vacuum left by Agadhub’s demise.
