MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali Police Force’s Anti-Terrorism Command has released details of a planned counterterrorism operation, codenamed “WAABARI,” conducted in the Jambaluul area of Lower Shabelle region against Al-Shabaab militants.

According to police, the operation was carried out on 18 April 2026 at approximately 9:00 a.m. by the Special Anti-Terrorism Unit in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), following intelligence indicating militant activity in the area.

Authorities said the joint forces dismantled a checkpoint and an extortion hub allegedly used by the group to collect illegal payments from civilians under the label of “zakat.” Police described the site as a key financial node for the militants.

During the operation, security forces killed a militant commander identified as Zakariye, who was said to be responsible for issuing receipts used in the collection of extortion payments. Two other suspected members of the group were injured, including Hassan Abdirahman, identified as the group’s local operative in Jambaluul, and another individual named Geele.

Police said forces also recovered several items from the scene, including extortion receipts, weapons and a motorcycle said to belong to the slain commander.

The Somali Police Command said Operation WAABARI forms part of continuing efforts to degrade the operational and financial capabilities of terrorist groups and to strengthen civilian security in Lower Shabelle and across Somalia.

The command urged the public to cooperate closely with security institutions to support counterterrorism efforts and help preserve national peace and stability.