MOGADISHU (SD) – The Somali National Army (SNA), acting on long-term intelligence surveillance, last night conducted a planned military operation that killed a senior Al-Shabaab leader named Hussein Macalin Hassan (Magalabeen). The operation took place near the Burduhunle area, approximately 17km north of Wajid town in the Bakol region.

The eliminated terrorist had been with the group for more than 15 years and was highly sought after. As a member of Al-Shabaab, he was the mastermind behind numerous terrorist attacks that harmed Somali civilians, particularly in Hiran, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, Mudug, Galgaduud, Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions.

The neutralized terrorist Hussein Macalin Hassan (Magaalabeen) previously served as the military operations chief for Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions, leader of livestock taxation in the Bakool region, and the Intelligence chief for Shabelle and Hiran regions.

He was also the deputy of Fu’ad Mohamed Shongole in recruitment and extremist propaganda.

Hussein was behind many battles across Somalia, planning assassinations and mine attacks that killed civilians. His death proves the Federal Government’s determination to eliminate Al-Shabaab, protect peace, stability, and national development.

The Ministry of Defense commended the SNA’s operation, confirming that such missions will continue to target Al-Shabaab leaders wherever they are, while protecting civilians and national security.