Written By Lisa Murimi
Villa Somalia has confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire Jama, also known as Abu Abdirahman, a top al-Shabaab leader, in an airstrike conducted last week in Kunyo Barrow, Lower Shabelle region.
The operation, carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) with U.S. support, marks a significant milestone in the fight against the militant group.
Mohamed Mire Jama served as al-Shabaab’s finance boss during the Westgate Mall (2013) and DusitD2 (2019) terror attacks.
The U.S. had designated him a global terrorist, citing his role in overseeing the group’s operations and strategic decisions.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the strike, which killed two militants and reported no civilian casualties.
“This operation reflects the ongoing partnership to degrade al-Shabaab and enhance regional security,” AFRICOM stated.
Mohamed was listed among other senior al-Shabaab figures, including Yasir Jiis, Yusuf Ahmed Hajji Nurow, and Mustaf Abdi Aden, who played key roles in the group’s intelligence and attack planning.
The strike follows the killing of Maalim Ayman in a similar operation last year. Ayman was linked to the 2020 Manda Bay attack that claimed three U.S. lives.
The latest operation underscores Somalia’s and the U.S.’s commitment to combating terrorism in East Africa.
