MOGADISHU (SD) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed sanctions on three leaders of al-Shabaab militant group which operate in Somalia.

The members on Friday unanimously voted to add the militant senior leaders to UN sanctions.

The three senior al-Shabaab leaders are Abukar Ali Aden who is deputy al-Shabaab leader, Moalim Ayman who serves as the commander of the influential Jaysh Ayman.

The third is Karate Mahad who is a former deputy leader of the militant group. However, he continues to wield incredible influence and power within the Al-Qaeda linked group.

“The United States applauds the UNSC for sanctioning al-Shabaab leaders Abukar Ali Adan, Maalim Ayman, and Mahad Karate, individuals responsible for numerous acts of terrorism. This is an important step towards stability, prosperity, and peace for Somalia,” said Ambassador Erica Barks-Ruggles who represents US State Department.

This week, Somalia and U.S. governments have asked UN Security Council to impose sanctions on these leaders.

Al-Shabaab which al-Qaeda affiliate terror group has been fighting to the international ly recognised Somalia’s weak government since 2006.

The group once in control of south and central Somalia was recent year weakened by Somali military backed by AMISOM troops.

But the group still is capable of carrying deadly suicide attacks in major towns including the capital.

They normally target government installations, military bases, hotels and restaurants in major towns.

Al-Shabaab amniyat, the group’s hit squad also carry out assassinations against military officials, civil servants, local and International NGO workers and former government workers.