MOGADISHU (SD) – The Somali government has announced the killing of Al-Shabaab’s leader in central Somalia, Nur Abdi Roble (Nunule).

Defense Minister Ahmed Maallim Fiqi told state media that this senior leader, along with officers and fighters from Al-Shabaab, was killed yesterday in an airstrike targeting a meeting location in the Ceelhareri area of the Galgadud region.

“We are sharing with the Somali people the news of eliminating the highest-ranking leader of Kharijite (Al-Shabaab) operations in the central regions of Hiraan, Galgaduud, Middle Shabelle, and Mudug after he was wounded in yesterday’s strike in Ceelhareeri that killed over 40 leaders and fighters,” said the Minister.

Minister Fiqi added that Nuunuule died today at noon from wounds sustained in yesterday’s strike after Al-Shabaab failed to find a place to treat him.

He stated that this leader was primarily responsible for battles waged by Al-Shabaab years ago in Dhuusamareeb and Guriceel cities when Ahlu Sunna controlled those areas. The Minister also said he was the mastermind behind recent Al-Shabaab attacks in Galcad, Cowsweyne, Ceel La Helay, Caad, Ceeldheer, and Aadan Yabaal areas of Mudug, Middle Shabelle, and Galgaduud regions.

“He was a source of suffering for the Somali people, and may God relieve us of the harm he caused. The Kharijites (Al-Shabaab) will find it difficult to produce another leader like him for the central regions, and this is how every Al-Shabaab leader will end,” said Minister Fiqi.