Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-Somali security forces have arrested Abdinasir Mohamed Hassan (Haji), an Al-Shabaab operative involved in the group’s vehicle-borne bombings and suicide attacks, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced.

Abdinasir, a mechanic specializing in the technical preparation of Al-Shabaab’s explosive vehicles, was reportedly responsible for inspecting nine vehicles used in attacks, including the recent car bomb targeting the SYL Hotel near Villa Somalia in Mogadishu.

The attack involved a Harrier vehicle, which Abdinasir prepared and handed over to Abdinasir Dahir Jimale, another suspect currently in custody awaiting trial.

NISA emphasized its commitment to eliminating threats posed by Al-Shabaab, particularly those targeting civilians. While the exact location of the operation leading to Abdinasir’s arrest was not disclosed, the agency reaffirmed its efforts to dismantle the group’s operational networks.

Al-Shabaab has yet to respond to NISA’s latest statement.