Mogadishu — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, in collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA), has captured a senior Al-Shabaab commander during a coordinated security operation near Mubaraka.
The suspect, identified as Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known as “Sahm,” was apprehended on Wednesday in the north-western outskirts of Mubaraka by AUSSOM troops working alongside the SNA’s elite Gorgor Unit 203.
According to military sources, Macalin, 40, serves as a battalion commander within the Al-Shabaab ranks. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly conducting reconnaissance on SNA defensive positions in preparation for a planned attack on Mubaraka.
Officials further indicated that he was operating with a group of fighters that included approximately 17 foreign militants who had recently moved from Jilib to Ugunji.
The Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, praised the joint forces for the successful operation, describing it as a major step forward in ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity in the region.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our continued mission to degrade terrorist networks and secure the area,” he said, while urging local leaders and communities to maintain cooperation with security forces.
The UPDF, under AUSSOM, continues to work closely with Somali forces to counter extremist threats and support broader efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in Somalia.