A top Al-Shabaab finance commander was killed in a joint Somalia-international strike in Somalia’s Middle Juba region.

A senior Al-Shabaab commander, Mohamed Sahal Idle known as Abu Usaama, was killed in a joint operation near Sakow in Somalia’s Middle Juba region, according to Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency. The strike, conducted with international partners, targeted the militant leader, who was linked to the group’s finance operations and reportedly set to replace a top finance official. The operation is part of intensified counterterrorism efforts by Somali forces and international allies, including the African Union mission, aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s leadership and capabilities. The group, which has fought the Somali government for over 16 years, confirmed the death in an air strike.