Nairobi, (Idil News) β A senior leader of the Al-Shabaab militant group, Mohamed Mire Jama, was killed in a U.S. airstrike near the town of Kunyo Barrow in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the militia has confirmed.
The airstrike, reportedly conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on December 24, 2024, targeted Jama, who held the title of Interior Emir and was a prominent member of Al-Shabaab’s central shura council.
Jama, who served as Al-Shabaab’s Head of Regions and Provinces (Wilayaat), was a key figure within the group. The United States had designated him as a global terrorist in 2022, and the Somali government had similarly labeled him a priority target.
Two days earlier, on december 24, 2024, the United States conducted an airstrike 10 km southwest of Kunyo Barrow, reporting killing two al-Shabaab militants.
Al-Shabaab’s confirmation of his death in a public statement described Jama as a martyr, while experts predict that his elimination represents a significant blow to the group’s leadership. The Somali government acknowledged the operation and spoke about the role of international allies in assisting efforts to dismantle the militant network.
Although AFRICOM has not officially commented on this specific strike, such operations are consistent with its ongoing campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab through targeted airstrikes. The group’s acknowledgment of Jama’s death reflects internal efforts to manage leadership transitions or rally supporters amidst ongoing military conflicts.
Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliate, has been engaged in a violent insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, targeting both military and civilian locations. The Somali government, supported by international partners, has intensified operations to reclaim territory and degrade the groupβs operational capacity.