MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and international partners killed an al Shabab leader Mohamed Abdi Dhiblawe Tuesday.
Known by aliases including Khaalid Dheere and Macallin Siciid, Afrax masterminded the March 18 attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy.
The operation targeted a Noah vehicle carrying Dhiblawe and another militant in Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle region, ending a months-long manhunt.
He was linked to numerous bombings and violent attacks that harmed civilians across Somalia, NISA said.
Despite air and ground operations, the militant group continues to carry out deadly attacks on army bases in south and central Somalia.
For the last three months, the group seized several towns following pre-dawn attacks that began with suicide explosions, followed by gun battles.
Al-Shabab still holds large swaths of rural territory, including the Middle Jubba region, where its top leaders have been based since being driven out of Mogadishu in 2011.