Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency has announced the killing of 16 suspected al-Shabaab militants during operations in the Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions.

In a statement dated Saturday, July 25, 2026, NISA said the planned operations were conducted with support from unnamed international partners.

The agency said two members of the group’s propaganda unit were killed in Miirtaqwo, Middle Shabelle. Another 14 fighters were killed during separate operations near Tardo in Hiran.

NISA refers to al-Shabaab militants as “Khawarij”.

Al-Andalus Radio equipment destroyed

According to NISA, the Miirtaqwo operation targeted a facility that al-Shabaab used as a safe house.

The agency said equipment belonging to Al-Andalus Radio, the group’s propaganda outlet, was stored at the facility.

Senior militants were killed during the operation, NISA said. Another suspected member of the propaganda unit was seriously injured.

NISA identified one of the deceased as the overall head of al-Shabaab’s Al-Andalus propaganda department.

“The equipment used to mislead the public was destroyed on site,” the agency said.

The casualty figures and identities had not been independently verified by the time of publication.

Fourteen fighters killed in Hiran

NISA said successive operations were also conducted around Tardo in the Hiran region.

The agency said the fighters were preparing to move to Goobo and Waabweyn, where they allegedly planned activities aimed at disrupting security.

Fourteen militants were killed during the operations, according to the statement.

A Toyota Noah vehicle used by the group was also destroyed.

NISA said the operations were part of continued efforts to weaken al-Shabaab’s ability to recruit fighters, spread propaganda and carry out attacks.

The security agency asked Somali citizens to report information about suspected al-Shabaab or Islamic State activities through its designated telephone lines.

Somalia has continued conducting military and intelligence-led operations against al-Shabaab, which has carried out attacks in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya.