Mogadishu (Kaab TV) – The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), working alongside the Somali National Armed Forces, has captured a senior al-Shabaab commander during a joint operation in the country’s southern region.
According to the AU mission, the suspect—identified as Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known as Sahm—was apprehended on Thursday in the northwestern outskirts of Mubarak.
In a statement, AUSSOM revealed that preliminary interrogation findings indicate one of his associates, identified as Ismaaciil, a Kenyan national, had volunteered to carry out a suicide mission as part of a planned attack.
The mission further noted that the 40-year-old suspect was captured while scouting defensive positions in preparation for an assault.
He was reportedly accompanied by a group of fighters, including 17 foreign militants recently deployed from al-Shabaab’s command center in Jilib, in the Middle Juba region. Another individual linked to the group, identified as Salman, managed to escape during the operation.
Salaad is believed to have joined al-Shabaab in 2009 and is regarded as a key operational leader involved in planning and executing militant activities, particularly in Mogadishu and its surrounding areas.
AUSSOM Sector One Commander Jackson Kayanja commended the joint forces for the successful operation, praising their vigilance and professionalism.
He also called on local leaders and communities to actively support security forces in countering terrorist threats and enhancing stability across Somalia.