MOGADISHU, July 1 (Xinhua) - Somali National Army's elite forces, Danab Commandos, killed a senior al-Shabab commander behind explosive attacks during a sting operation carried out Monday evening in southern Somalia, the government confirmed on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Defense said Abdi Jabbar was killed along with seven other al-Shabab terrorists during operations in Yuumbis village, located about seven km northwest of Barire in the Lower Shabelle region.
"The operation specifically targeted senior al-Shabab leaders, resulting in the elimination of eight terrorists, including a high profile commander, Abdi Jabbar, who was responsible for planning and executing improvised explosive device attacks throughout Lower Shabelle region," the ministry said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
Jabbar, who had served as al-Shabab's head of explosives in Gedo and later Lower Shabelle since 2007, is accused of masterminding the destruction of vital infrastructure, including the strategic bridges in Bariire, Sabiid, and Caanoole.
The terrorist, who joined al-Shabab 18 years ago, was considered a key figure within the al-Shabab network, and his death is regarded as a major blow to the group's operational capabilities in the area.
"Jabbar was responsible for orchestrating numerous acts of terror and atrocities against innocent Somalis," the ministry said, reaffirming its resolve to pursue all remaining al-Shabab elements and "ensure lasting security, stability, and a free future for the Somali people."
The ministry said more than 50 al-Shabab fighters have been killed during recent operations conducted across the country. ■
