Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on Wednesday that it had killed a former senior al-Shabab finance chief in a planned operation in the Kuunyo Barrow area of Lower Shabelle region. The agency identified the slain official as Faysal Yusuf Macallin Abdulle, also known as Abdikarim Horseed or Gaagaale. NISA described his death as a significant blow to the militant group's financial network.
According to NISA, Faysal joined al-Shabab in 2007 while working at a shop in Mogadishu's Bakara Market. He managed the group's financial operations in the Banadir region between 2007 and 2011, overseeing the collection of money from businesses and residents through extortion. Faysal was promoted to head of accounts in 2011, a position he held until 2014, when he became the group's overall finance chief.
Faysal remained the finance chief until 2024, when he transferred responsibility for al-Shabab's finances to Abdullahi Hassan Abdi Osoble, commonly known as Abdullahi Wadaad. NISA said Wadaad was killed in a separate security operation in the Kuunyo Barrow area on January 23, 2026. The agency described the deaths of the two former finance chiefs as a major setback for al-Shabab's leadership and its ability to collect and manage funds used to support militant operations.
The operation that resulted in Faysal's death took place on October 23 and was carried out by Somali intelligence forces in coordination with international security partners. NISA did not disclose further details about the operation, including the weapons used or whether other militants were killed or wounded. The circumstances of Faysal's death and his reported position within al-Shabab could not be independently verified.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked militant group, has long relied on an extensive taxation and extortion network to finance its operations across Somalia. The group has used these funds to support militant operations, including attacks against Somali civilians and security forces. NISA said it would continue targeting senior al-Shabab commanders and financial operatives involved in funding these attacks.
The latest announcement comes as Somali security forces, supported by international partners, continue operations aimed at weakening al-Shabab's leadership, disrupting its financial networks, and limiting its ability to carry out attacks. The Somali government has been working to combat the militant group, which has been responsible for numerous attacks and human rights abuses in the country.
The killing of Faysal Yusuf Macallin Abdulle is seen as a significant blow to al-Shabab's financial network and its ability to carry out operations. NISA's efforts to target senior al-Shabab commanders and financial operatives are part of a broader strategy to weaken the group and improve security in Somalia.
Key points
- Faysal Yusuf Macallin Abdulle, a former senior al-Shabab finance chief, was killed in a planned operation in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region.
- The operation was carried out by Somali intelligence forces in coordination with international security partners.
- The death of Faysal Yusuf Macallin Abdulle is seen as a significant blow to al-Shabab's financial network and its ability to carry out operations.
