TOP Al-Shabaab Commander Captured, 3 Militants Killed Near Somalia-Kenya Border
A prominent Al-Shabaab commander has reportedly been apprehended during a military operation by Somali special forces near the Kenya-Somalia border.
According to individuals familiar with the situation, the operation took place in Baghdad town, around 42 kilometers from Hosingow in Somalia’s Sub Sector Central, which is near the Kenyan border.
According to security agencies, the leader was arrested alive during the counter-terrorism operation, while three other alleged Al-Shabaab fighters were slain.
Images from the incident showed a man thought to be the Al-Shabaab leader kneeling on the ground with his hands tied.
PRESS RELEASE
The Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army, in coordination with the Jubbaland Security Forces, carried out an operation at dawn today against Al-Shabaab militants in the area of Baqdaad, near the district of Badhaadhe in the Lower Juba region.
Read… pic.twitter.com/IEFB43k4CA— MoD Somalia 🇸🇴 (@MoDSomaliya) July 8, 2026
It is now believed that the suspected militia leader was on his way to Kenya alongside other suspected militia members and was on the verge of entering the country when they were ambushed.
Among the items recovered during the operation were an assault rifle, tactical gear, several mobile phones, and documents believed to belong to the militant group.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by Kenya and Somali security forces to dismantle Al-Shabaab networks operating in some Somali areas, particularly in regions close to the Kenyan border.
🚨BREAKING: Jubaland Forces Capture Al-Shabaab Commander
Dhobley, Somalia – Jubaland Special Military Unit forces captured an al-Shabaab commander during an operation on Wednesday evening in Baghdad, about 42 kilometers outside Hosingow in Somalia’s Lower Juba region near the… pic.twitter.com/itXRB9druU— M-Amiin Wacdar (@wacdar) July 8, 2026
The reported capture of the commander is a major boost for the security forces, as it is expected to provide valuable intelligence in investigating the group’s operations and networks.
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Al-Shabaab has in recent years waged war against the Somali government and has frequently carried out attacks targeting both Somalia and Kenya.
Due to the frequent attacks by the militia, Kenya has remained on high alert, with security agencies led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployed to man the Kenya-Somalia border.
However, the latest efforts to curb Al-Shabaab’s prevalence in the region come just a week after the United States announced it would end its support for United Nations assistance to the peacekeeping mission combating Al-Shabaab in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab militants carry a wounded militant during clashes with the Somali National Army. pic.twitter.com/W6mua2T48l— Mintel World (@mintelworld) July 7, 2026
According to reputable sources, President Donald Trump’s administration informed the African Union that it would not support the continuation of the UN Support Office in Somalia beyond the end of 2026.
The office provides critical logistical assistance to the multinational peacekeeping mission.
These include food, fuel, water, medical services, transportation, and other operational support for troops engaged in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
TOP Al-Shabaab Commander Captured, 3 Militants Killed Near Somalia-Kenya Border
