A senior Alshabab commander, Mohamed Mire, was killed in a drone strike near Kunyo Barrow in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle Region, the group confirmed, attributing the operation to the United States.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that a December 24 airstrike, conducted in collaboration with Somali forces, targeted militants approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Kunyo Barrow. AFRICOM confirmed two Alshabab members were killed, with no civilian casualties reported, though it did not specify their identities.
Somalia’s Ministry of Information praised the operation as a coordinated effort with international partners, highlighting Mire’s longstanding evasion of capture. Mire, described as Alshabab’s head of regional operations, played a pivotal role in the group’s decision-making and was previously sanctioned by Somalia’s anti-money laundering committee in July.
U.S. officials had designated Mire a global terrorist in 2022, citing his involvement in strategic planning and oversight of Alshabab’s activities in Somalia. Lower Shabelle’s Governor Mohamed Ibrahim Barre confirmed the strike occurred two days earlier while Mire was traveling between Jilib and Kunyo Barrow.
AFRICOM reiterated its commitment to countering Alshabab, emphasizing continued support for Somali forces to combat the militant group.