A high-level militant commander, Nuur Cabdi Rooble — widely known by his alias Nuunuule — has been killed in a targeted operation reportedly carried out by members of the Macawisley resistance forces affiliated with the Xawaadle clan.
Nuunuule was considered one of the top leaders coordinating militant activity across several regions including Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Mudug, and Galgaduud. In recent months, he is believed to have led multiple operations conducted by the insurgent group in both Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
According to local sources, Nuunuule was ambushed in a village called Garas Magan, located between Tawakal and Ceel Hareeri in the Hiiraan region. He was traveling in a military-style vehicle when the ambush occurred. Alongside him were two other senior militant figures: Abuu Anas, reportedly the head of logistics for the group, and Mohamed Ahmed, also known as Xerow, both of whom were also killed in the operation.
However, in a surprising development, Somalia’s Minister of Defence claimed in a press conference that Nuunuule was killed in an airstrike coordinated between the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and the Somali National Army. The contradiction between government accounts and those from local Macawisley fighters has raised questions over who was truly responsible for the operation.
Nuunuule was reportedly from the Duduble sub-clan, a community that has seen tensions over land and insurgent activity.
While the killing of Nuunuule is seen as a significant blow to the militant group’s command structure, the conflicting narratives surrounding his death have sparked debate over recognition and credit for anti-insurgency efforts in the region.
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