Senior ISIL Commander Captured in Somalia
A senior commander of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Somalia has been captured by security forces according to police and state media reports. Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, who oversaw the group’s assassination squad surrendered on Monday in the Cal Miskaad mountains of northeastern Puntland as the region intensifies its offensive against ISIL.
The capture of Aw-Saciid, also known by his alias “Laahoor,” comes just two days after U.S. air strikes targeted ISIL leadership in Somalia. His role included not only orchestrating attacks but also extorting local businesses to fund the group’s operations.
In recent years, Somalia’s ISIL branch has gained prominence as a significant part of the group’s global network bolstered by an influx of foreign fighters and enhanced revenue collection. Security analysts have noted a shift in tactics as demonstrated by an attack on a military base in December where ISIL utilized two booby-trapped vehicles.
Abdikadir Jama Dirir, the head of police in Puntland’s Bari region confirmed the arrest emphasizing the focus on disrupting ISIL and its rival, al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab.
Recent U.S. air strikes have reportedly resulted in significant casualties among ISIL fighters, further degrading their capacity to plan and execute attacks. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the military actions are part of ongoing efforts to contain both ISIL and al-Shabab which holds substantial territory in southern Somalia.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the air strikes claiming they have eradicated threats posed by ISIL and affirming that no civilians were harmed in the operations. Until recently, ISIL’s influence in Somalia was viewed as relatively minor compared to that of al-Shabab which has dominated security challenges in the region.
Somali authorities continue to grapple with restoring order and security in a nation plagued by more than three decades of civil conflict. The capture of Aw-Saciid represents a crucial step in the ongoing battle against terrorism in Somalia.
