Description: In coordination with international in – country partners, Somalian security forces carried out operations that resulted in the death of 28 Al Shabab terrorists in the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions. Senior Al Shabab figurehead Abdirahman Abdi Mudallib was eliminated in the operation that was coordinated with the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency. Somalia within the past year faces a dangerous resurgence of Al Shabab that is compounded by political and security disputes between the five semi – autonomous region. International partners such as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somali (AUSSOM) has extended its presence in the country to help the Somali security forces counter terrorist activities.
Impact: The operation, although significant, would likely force Al Shabab to mobilize and disperse onto other territorial flashpoints in Somalia, further extending their operational outreach. The country has no long – term existing anti and counter terrorism strategy and largely relies on international partners which signals that security stabilization would likely be a long – term issue in Somalia. The elimination of Mudallib represents a significant operational achievement, however, it would unlikely disrupt Al Shabab’s operational capabilities. The security situation remains volatile, enflamed by the ongoing political crisis which would likely pit Somalia into a revolving state of crisis in the mid to long – term.