(27 March 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — A senior Al-Shabaab commander has been confirmed killed in fierce fighting on Tuesday on the outskirts of the coastal town of Harardheere, in the Mudug region. The confrontation involved joint Somali National Army (SNA) and local militia forces repelling an attack by Al-Shabaab militants near the town.
The slain militant, identified as Mohamed Ismail Arus, had previously served as a spokesman for the now-defunct Hizbul Islam militant organisation and was among the Hizbul Islam commanders who surrendered to the federal government, including the former leader, Hassan Dahir Aweys. However, Mr Arus later defected to Al-Shabaab, joining the group.
He is alleged to have participated in a number of military operations carried out by the group in Kenya. Prior to Harardheere’s capture last year, he was the appointed overseer of the town for Al-Shabaab, but fled upon its liberation and took refuge at Barag Ismail. Until his killing, Arus was responsible for overseeing Al-Shabaab’s military operations in the Mudug region. His neutralisation marks a significant victory for the SNA and allied forces in Mudug region. The clash on Tuesday thwarted Al-Shabaab’s desperate attempt to reclaim control of Harardheere.
Halqabsi News
