Bosaso, Somalia (May 19, 2025) — Puntland security forces have confirmed the death of a senior Islamic State (Daesh) leader in Somalia, following a coordinated operation involving both air and ground units near Guryasamo, east of Dhaadaar.
The militant, identified as Ahmed Muse Said, was described by authorities as a high-ranking liaison between ISIS leadership in Somalia and foreign jihadist networks. He was believed to be a close confidante of Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, the group’s emir in Somalia, and Abdirahman Fahiye, a senior ideological figure.
According to security sources, the operation was based on actionable intelligence and executed with precision. A second militant was also killed during the mission. Security forces displayed the bodies in Bosaso and said that communication equipment and documents were recovered from the site.
A Somali security expert, speaking to The Daily Somalia on condition of anonymity, said the death of Ahmed Muse is likely to impact ISIS-Somalia’s operational cohesion. “He was not a foot soldier,” the expert said. “He managed strategic links with foreign fighters and oversaw critical communication lines. His loss is a major blow to the group’s ability to project influence beyond Somalia.”
Officials say the death of Ahmed Muse is a major breakthrough and marks the beginning of a broader campaign to dismantle extremist networks operating in the area. The Puntland Defence Forces have pledged continued operations in cooperation with intelligence partners.
