Somali National Armed Forces have killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander, Hussein Moallim Hassan, also known as Magaalabeen, during a military operation in Southwest State on Sunday.

The operation took place near Buurdhuuxunle, about 17 kilometers north of Waajid in the Bakool region, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.

The Ministry described the strike as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s leadership and weaken the militant group’s operational capacity.

Magaalabeen had been a key figure in Al-Shabaab for over 15 years and was considered one of the group’s most wanted leaders.

Over the years, he played a central role in planning and executing attacks across multiple Somali regions, including Hiiraan, Middle and Lower Shabelle, Mudug, Galgaduud, Bay, Bakool, and Gedo.

During his tenure with Al-Shabaab, Magaalabeen held several senior positions. He served as operational commander in the Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions, overseeing militant operations in these areas.

He also acted as the group’s head of taxation in Bakool, collecting funds to finance attacks, and was chief of intelligence in Hiiraan and the Shabelle regions, coordinating reconnaissance and information-gathering activities.

In addition, Magaalabeen served as deputy to Fu’ad Mohamed Shangole, Al-Shabaab’s propaganda and indoctrination chief. He was heavily involved in recruiting fighters, spreading extremist messaging, and maintaining the ideological cohesion of the group.

Defense officials said the elimination of Magaalabeen is expected to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s operational networks in Southwest State and beyond, sending a strong message to other commanders and fighters within the group.

“This strike is a major blow to Al-Shabaab. Magaalabeen was involved in orchestrating numerous attacks that caused widespread suffering. His death weakens their leadership and operational capacity,” the Ministry said.

The Somali National Armed Forces continue to conduct targeted operations against Al-Shabaab militants in Bakool and neighbouring regions, with the aim of reducing threats to civilian populations and restoring security across the country.

Authorities have urged local communities to continue cooperating with security forces to help identify and report remaining Al-Shabaab elements hiding in rural and urban areas.