Abu Abdirahman, a senior Al Shabaab leader and the group’s finance head during the infamous Westgate Mall and DusitD2 attacks, was targeted and killed by US airstrikes near Quyno Barrow, about 260 kilometers from Mogadishu.
The US Africa Command (Africom), in a statement released on Monday, said the operation killed two militants, including Mire. “In addition to being one of Al Shabaab’s longest-serving members, Mire held the role of Interior Minister and played a key role in the group’s strategic decision-making,” Africom noted.
Mire had been an integral figure in Al Shabaab for over 15 years, overseeing regional governance in Somalia and holding multiple leadership roles. He was responsible for financing, planning, and executing attacks in Kenya and Somalia.
Mire’s name became notorious during the:
- Westgate Mall Attack (2013): Four attackers killed 62 civilians and five Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers during a four-day siege in Nairobi.
- DusitD2 Attack (2019): Five militants stormed 14 Riverside Drive, Nairobi, killing 22 people.
Africom emphasized the mission avoided civilian harm. “The command will continue assessing the results and provide additional information as needed,” said US Marine Corps General Michael Langley.
Al Shabaab Confirms Mire’s Death
Al Shabaab had earlier announced Mire’s death, stating, “With pride, honor, and gratitude, we announce to the Muslim Ummah the passing of the Mujahid Sheikh Mohamed Mire Jama.”
Mire’s influence extended to Al Shabaab’s interior wing, where he managed regional activities and governance. His leadership earned him a spot on Somalia’s anti-money laundering sanctions list in July 2024 and a global terrorist designation by the US in October 2022.
Other sanctioned leaders included:
- Yasir Jiis, intelligence commander.
- Yusuf Ahmed Hajji Nurow, aka Gees Ade, head of Amniyat intelligence.
- Mustaf Abdi Aden, linked to the DusitD2 attack.
Africom reaffirmed its dedication to degrading Al Shabaab. “Somalia remains central to the security environment in East Africa. US Africa Command will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to combat the group,” the statement read.
In 2023, a similar airstrike killed Maalim Ayman, another senior leader of Al Shabaab.
