The Somali National Army (SNA) arrested Ali Geelle, a senior leader of al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda*-linked terrorist group, in the Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, according to the country's Defense Ministry.
Geelle, known for his involvement in extortion and child recruitment for al-Shabaab, was a key figure in the terrorist group's operations.
"The arrest, carried out in Galhareeri district, Galgaduud region, also led to the seizure of a vehicle, a firearm, and ammunition," Somalia's Ministry of Defense stated.
The SNA has been battling al-Shabaab for years. In 2023, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's pledged "an all-out war" to eliminate the terrorist group.
*a terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries