Doha: A key leader of the Al-Shabaab group, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been killed in a military operation in the southwestern region of Somalia, the Somali military stated in a statement on Sunday. The statement noted that the leader was eliminated during a military operation in the city of Huddur and detailed his significant roles within the group. He served as the group’s financial officer and was involved in forcibly recruiting children.

According to Qatar News Agency, the military operation also succeeded in dismantling a network of group elements that were active in the region. This marks a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities in southwestern Somalia.

For over a decade, Somali forces have been engaged in a battle against the Al-Shabaab group, which has been responsible for numerous attacks resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and security personnel. In recent months, Somali forces have regained control over several areas that were previously under Al-Shabaab’s control, indicating progress in their ongoing efforts to counter the group’s influence.