The federal republic of Somalia’s minister of defense, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has confirmed the neutralization of a notorious Al-Shabaab leader, Abdullahi Hassan Abdi Cosole, alias Abduallahi Wadad.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Minister Fiqi revealed that a coordinated operation conducted by the National Intelligence Service Agency with international partners was conducted in Kuunya Barrow, an area that has a high concentration of militants in the Lower Shabelle area.

The elimination of Abdullahi adad in a significant victory for national security, intelligence reports indicate, was not just a militant but a pivotal figure in the structure and daily operation of Al-Shabaab in the region.

Wadad is accused of leading the militant taxation and extortion network, and for years he unleashed terror against the Somali business community.

In Mogadishu and Benadir, he was behind the systematic extortion of local businesses and demanded exorbitant payments under the guise of Zakat; the business owners who resisted his financial demands were targeted for assassination.

The intelligence reports indicate Wadad utilized cargo manifests and infiltrated shipping agents to track imports, allowing the group to precisely calculate taxes on goods entering the country.

Minister Fiqi hailed the operation and noted the effort by the Somali National Army to restore peace and order in the region.

“The elimination of Abdullahi Wadad is a major blow to the Khawaarij’s ability to fund their cowardly acts; this individual spent his career sucking the lifeblood out of our economy and murdering hard-working citizens who drive our nation forward,” said Minister Fiqi

Wadad’s death comes at a critical time as the Somali federal government has intensified its operation against the terror group to liberate territories that were infiltrated by the Al-Shabaab.

Minister Fiqi reiterated that the government’s total war policy is in full effect and urged the remaining members of the terror group to surrender.
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