Al-Shabaab leader Mohamed Mire, also known as Abu Abdirahman, was killed in a U.S. airstrike on December 24, 2024, near Quyno Barrow, approximately 260 kilometers from Mogadishu. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed Mire’s death, announcing that the strike also eliminated another al-Shabaab militant.
“Mire, also known as Abu Abdirahman, oversaw al-Shabaab’s regional governance in Somalia for 15 years. As one of the group’s longest-serving leaders, he held key roles, including interior minister, significantly influencing its strategic decisions,” AFRICOM stated.
AFRICOM assured that no civilians were harmed during the mission but withheld further operational details for security reasons. “We will continue to evaluate the operation’s outcome and share updates as appropriate,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander.
Mire played a critical role in financing, planning, and executing attacks in Kenya and Somalia, serving as finance head during the Westgate Mall (2013) and DusitD2 (2019) attacks in Nairobi. He also led al-Shabaab’s regions department, equivalent to an interior ministry, and held multiple other senior positions.
Al-Shabaab, which controls significant parts of central and southern Somalia, generates nearly $130 million(approx 17 billion KES) annually. This revenue funds the group’s fighters and supports the purchase of advanced weapons. Approximately $24 million(3.1 billion KES) is allocated specifically for weapon acquisitions.
In July, Somalia’s anti-money laundering committee listed Mire among key al-Shabaab commanders targeted by sanctions. The U.S. designated Mire a global terrorist in October 2022, citing his senior leadership role and responsibility for strategic decision-making within the group.
“Somalia remains central to East Africa’s security. U.S. Africa Command will continue supporting partner forces to degrade al-Shabaab,” AFRICOM emphasized.
