Key Al-Shabaab operatives in Somalia hit by coordinated sanctions

A group of 15 individuals linked to Al-Shabaab’s financial and operational networks in Somalia have been jointly designated for sanctions by members of the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC).

The action, announced Monday, is part of ongoing efforts to block the group’s access to financial resources that fuel its violence and intimidation campaigns in Somalia and beyond.

The TFTC is a coalition of seven countries- the United States, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates- established in May 2017.

It was created to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism financing. These new designations are the latest in a series of actions aimed at dismantling financial lifelines for terrorist groups.

The 15 targets of the sanctions have been accused of a variety of roles supporting al-Shabaab, ranging from collecting forced donations from civilians to planning explosive attacks and managing detention centers.

The designations are intended to cut them off from international banking systems and prevent them from using financial services across borders.

"Al-Shabaab continues to terrorize and extort the Somali people, forcing farmers to turn over livestock as ‘donations’ and kidnapping civilians, while it destabilizes the wider region through its campaign of violence," said Treasury’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Financing, Anna Morris.

"Today, the TFTC is acting to deny al-Shabaab access to regional and international financial networks to secure funding, coordinate attacks, and enable its violent activities."

"TFTC member states are stronger and more effective when working together to counter these shared threats to the international financial system, and we will maintain intensive pressure on terrorist actors and their financial networks," he added.

According to the U.S. Treasury, many of those designated were previously targeted by the United States in May 2024.

The latest action brings the GCC partners on board, amplifying the impact by enforcing the sanctions jointly.

Among those sanctioned is Hasaan Abshir Xuuroow, who has played a central role in al-Shabaab’s operations in Kismayo.

As an intelligence and finance officer, he has reportedly taken livestock from civilians and auctioned it off, both to raise money for the group and for his own benefit.

In the Lower Shabelle region, Aadan Yusuf Saciid Ibrahim has overseen the collection of compulsory fees from locals.

He is said to impose harsh financial demands on market traders and livestock owners, again keeping part of the proceeds.

Mumin Dheere, a senior figure in Wayanta, Lower Juba, is reported to have helped plan and coordinate attacks using mortars and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.

He has also allegedly been involved in planning attacks on Kismayo International Airport.

The group includes Macalin Burhan, who in 2021 was appointed commander of al-Shabaab’s Hisbah forces in Wayanta.

By mid-2022, Hisbah forces under Burhan’s authority had detained more than 80 civilians, and he is said to have refused to release them.

In another part of Somalia, Ali Ahmed Hussein has demanded money from local clans while also aiding the movement of fighters and storing weapons for the group.

The designations extend to operational leaders like Maxamed Cali, who commands around 100 fighters and reports to Dheere. He is known to maintain ties with other senior figures, including Xuuroow and Burhan.

Ahmed Kabadhe, once emir of Jubaland, reportedly instructed fighters to carry out attacks against local forces.

In late 2022, he is said to have plotted a complex operation involving vehicle-borne explosives and suicide attackers.

Siyaat Ayuto, formerly in charge of Hisbah forces in Beer Xaani, is now believed to oversee Kismayo operations for al-Shabaab.

His role has included enforcing the group’s local laws and intimidating residents.

The list also includes Hassan Yariisow Aadan and Siciid Abdullahi Aadan, who are alleged to have collected money and facilitated the use of IEDs.

Siciid, in particular, has been labeled a key IED expert.

Another figure, Mohamed Abdullah Hirey, is said to serve as governor of the Juba region for al-Shabaab and has participated in propaganda supporting the group’s cause.

Cabdi Roobow, who once held a mid-level position overseeing the Wayanta area, has been involved in planning attacks in Lower Juba alongside Dheere and others.

According to the statement, Shiek Aadan Abuukar Malayle oversees the collection of money in Lower Shabelle, which is then used to buy weapons and other supplies for the group’s militants.

Also named is Aadan Jiss, who operates a detention facility under the Hisbah authority and has managed prisoner detentions through the group’s informal court system.

Rounding out the list is Cumar Guhaad, a regional commander who has compelled local clans to make large payments in support of al-Shabaab.

The TFTC plays a broader role beyond sanctions. It also helps build capacity among member countries, shares actionable intelligence, and works on strengthening regulatory systems to prevent the movement of funds for terrorist purposes.

With this latest round of designations, the TFTC has sent another clear signal of its determination to clamp down on terrorist financing.

While al-Shabaab remains active in Somalia, this move aims to shrink the group’s ability to function, cut off its sources of revenue, and isolate it from global financial systems.