Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali security forces arrested a senior Al-Shabaab commander, Idiris Mohamed Sheikh, on Tuesday during an operation in the Galgudud region under Galmudug State, according to state-run media. Sheikh was responsible for forcibly collecting zakawat (alms) from locals and had previously operated in several regions, including Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Bakool.

The exact location of the arrest in Galgudud was not disclosed by the state media. Al-Shabaab has not commented on the capture of their commander, who is now under the custody of Somali security forces.

This operation follows closely on the heels of the deadly attack by Al-Shabaab on Beach View Hotel at Liido Beach in Mogadishu on Friday night, which resulted in 40 deaths and 247 injuries. The swift action by Somali security forces aims to dismantle the terrorist group’s network and prevent further attacks.