Monday March 24, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Security forces in Somalia's Southwest State have killed a senior Al-Shabaab operative responsible for collecting illegal payments from civilians in the Berdaale district, state officials confirmed on Monday.
The operation was carried out overnight by special police units, supported by Southwest State intelligence, in the Mundala Sheela area between Berdaale and Loowgoof. The target, Moalim Adan Qaddiid, was described as the group's lead extortion officer, known locally as a sakawaad. He was reportedly tasked with collecting "taxes" from residents to fund militant activities.
Officials said Qaddiid had been a key figure in Al-Shabaab's financial network, harassing villagers and demanding payments under threats of violence.
During the operation, security forces recovered an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine, and a Fekon motorcycle from the scene. The items were later displayed to the media.
"This operation was specifically aimed at weakening Al-Shabaab's financial grip on Berdaale," said the district's Darawish commander. "We successfully eliminated one of their most notorious operatives."
Berdaale District Commissioner Mohamed Isaaq urged local residents to work with security forces to help root out militant influence.
"Civilians are critical in this fight," he said. "We ask for their cooperation in reporting threats and helping us restore lasting peace."
Al-Shabaab, which has waged a brutal insurgency for over 15 years, uses extortion, roadside bombs, and targeted killings to maintain control in rural areas of southern and central Somalia. With support from international partners, the federal government has recently intensified operations to dismantle the group's networks.
Southwest State, one of Somalia's five federal member states, has launched multiple security campaigns in the Bay region to push back against the group's presence.