MOGADISHU — Somali security forces, in coordination with international partners, successfully eliminated 23 al-Shabaab militants during targeted operations near the Mahas district in central Somalia on February 25, 2026. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) confirmed that the operations took place in regions under Hirshabelle State, aimed at neutralizing militants who were plotting terrorist attacks. Intelligence reports indicated the group's presence and activities in these areas, prompting the preemptive strike. Additionally, joint forces destroyed a key terrorist base in the Moqokori district within the Hiran region, significantly disrupting the group's logistical capabilities and preventing planned attacks against local communities.