Somalia: U.S. and Allies Impose Sanctions on 15 Senior al-Shabaab Commanders

The announcement was made in a joint statement by the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC), which includes the U.S. and six Gulf countries. The newly sanctioned individuals are accused of playing key roles in al-Shabaab’s military, intelligence, and financial networks.

Among those named is Xassan Abshir Xuuroow, a senior intelligence officer accused of extorting money from residents around Kismayo, and Mumin Dheere, the deputy emir of al-Shabaab in Lower Juba, who reportedly planned attacks on strategic targets including Kismayo Airport.

Other names on the list include Macalin Burhaan, who has detained over 80 civilians in Lower Juba and refused to release them, and Cali Axmed Xuseen, the group’s emir in Lower Shabelle, who has demanded payments from local clans and helped transport kidnapped citizens.

Also listed is Maxamed Cali, commander of 100 fighters, with ties to other top officials, and Axmed Kabadhe, a former regional emir involved in organizing suicide bombings and attacks on Somali security forces.

The sanctions also target financial operatives such as Aadan Yuusuf Saciid, Xassan Yariisow Aadan, and Sh. Aadan Abuukar Malayle, all of whom are accused of forcibly collecting money from civilians to fund the group’s activities.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the sanctions aim to disrupt al-Shabaab’s ability to raise and move funds, and to pressure its leadership by targeting their financial networks.

“These designations are part of an ongoing effort to cut off support to terrorist organizations that threaten the stability and security of Somalia and the wider region,”

the Treasury’s statement said.

The sanctions mean that any assets held by these individuals in TFTC countries will be frozen, and citizens of those countries will be prohibited from doing business with them.

This coordinated move signals a stronger international stance against al-Shabaab as the group continues to carry out deadly attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries.

Full List of Sanctioned Individuals:

1. Xasaan Abshir Xuuroow – Senior intelligence and finance officer in Kismayo.
2. Mumin Dheere – Deputy emir of Lower Juba, involved in attack planning.
3. Macalin Burhaan – Hisbah commander in Lower Juba, detained civilians.
4. Cali Axmed Xuseen – Emir of al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle.
5. Maxamed Cali – Commander of 100 fighters, linked to senior leadership.
6. Axmed Kabadhe – Former emir, planner of suicide bombings.
7. Siyaad Ayuuto – Hisbah commander in Lower Juba, ex-emir for Kismayo ops.
8. Maxamed Cabdullaahi Xiireey (Abuu Cabdalla) – Former governor in Jubbaland, now leads operations in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
9. Cabdi Roobow – Planner of attacks in Lower Juba with Dheere and others.
10. Aadan Jiis – Head of Hisbah and manages detention centers.
11. Aadan Yuusuf Saciid Ibraahim – Financial extortionist in Lower Shabelle.
12. Xassan Yariisow Aadan – Collects extortion fees for al-Shabaab.
13. Siciid Cabdullaahi Aadan – IED expert and financial collector.
14. Sh. Aadan Abuukar Malayle – Oversees civilian fee collection.
15. Cumar Guhaad – Senior commander extorting clans in Lower Shabelle.