Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced that more than 22 members of the militant group Al-Shabaab were killed in security operations carried out in parts of Hiiraan and Mudug regions.

In a statement issued by the agency, NISA said the operations targeted individuals who were involved in organizing activities that threatened the security of Somali citizens and the stability of the country.

According to the statement, 15 Al-Shabaab members were killed in the Dumaaye area of Mudug region, where they were reportedly preparing attacks. NISA said the operation was conducted on the basis of intelligence gathered by the agency, enabling security forces to disrupt the planned assaults before they could be carried out.

The agency identified several of those killed as senior figures within Al-Shabaab’s regional structure. Among them were Xudayfa Qalinle, described as an aide to the group’s representative in Mudug; Qataatow, a former Al-Shabaab leader in the region; Abdirahman Garwayne, identified as the group’s recruitment chief in Jowle; Daahir, responsible for collecting funds in Dumaaye and Dabagalo; and Abdiwali, described as a senior Al-Shabaab leader operating in Bacaadweyne.

In Hiiraan region, NISA said seven Al-Shabaab members were killed in a separate operation. The agency stated that some of those killed were serving as guards for a militant figure identified as Mustaf Caato. Others named among the dead included Khalif Muumin Sabriye and Osman Abdulle Farah.

NISA also reported that vehicles used by the militants were destroyed, along with locations where they had been sheltering, including houses and other facilities.

The agency added that the number of casualties could increase as further assessments are conducted due to the scale of the operation.