DOOLOW, Somalia — September 8, 2026 — Jubbaland security forces have detained several people suspected of helping facilitate a drone strike targeting General Mahad Abdirahman “Shuub” at his residence in Doolow district, according to security sources. Those arrested reportedly include soldiers who had been close to the former Somali lawmaker and ex-commander of the Somali Custodial Corps.

Security sources said Jubbaland investigators are examining whether individuals on the ground provided information about General Shuub’s location before the nighttime drone attack.

Authorities have not disclosed the total number of people detained, the evidence collected or whether any of the suspects have been formally charged.

Among those arrested is Lieutenant Abdi Mohamud Mohamed, a 27-year-old Somali national born in Baidoa, according to the sources. Jubbaland security officials claim investigators obtained information from him that could be relevant to the inquiry, although the nature of that information has not been made public.

Abdi and the other detainees have not publicly responded to the allegations. No evidence establishing their involvement has been released, and the claims could not be independently verified.

According to accounts provided by security sources, Abdi previously joined forces loyal to former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. He later surrendered to forces aligned with Sheikh Aden Madobe and was subsequently transferred to Mogadishu.

The sources said he returned to Doolow following the reopening of the district’s airport. Jubbaland investigators are now examining his activities and contacts after his arrival in the town.

Abdi reportedly received previous training from Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency. Security sources also alleged that he possessed identification linking him to the Somali Police Force in Baidoa.

Authorities have not clarified whether the identification was valid at the time of his arrest or whether he remained an active member of the federal police.

Arrest at Doolow Hospital

The drone strike occurred after Abdi returned to Doolow, according to the sources. He was reportedly absent from General Shuub’s residence when the attack took place.

Jubbaland security forces later arrested him at a hospital in Doolow where General Shuub was receiving medical treatment following the strike.

Security around the medical facility had reportedly been tightened amid fears that those behind the initial attack could attempt a second strike against the general.

Officials have not released detailed information about General Shuub’s medical condition, the damage caused to his residence or whether anyone else was injured in the attack.

It also remains unclear what type of drone carried out the strike, where the aircraft was launched or who authorised the operation. No government, military force or armed group has publicly claimed responsibility.

Jubbaland Investigation Continues

Jubbaland security authorities said information obtained during the investigation would be presented after the inquiry is completed. No date has been announced for the release of the findings.

Investigators are expected to examine the communications, movements and contacts of those detained to determine whether anyone knowingly shared information with the people responsible for the drone attack.

The authorities have not said whether the suspects will remain in Doolow, be transferred to another location or appear before a court.

Somalia’s federal government has not issued a detailed statement addressing the arrests or identifying the party suspected of carrying out the strike.

Background

General Shuub previously served as a member of Somalia’s Federal Parliament and as commander of the Somali Custodial Corps. His political and security background has increased public attention on the attack and the investigation into those suspected of assisting it.

Doolow is located in Somalia’s Gedo region, an area administered by Jubbaland but long affected by political disputes involving the Jubbaland administration and the federal government in Mogadishu.

The district’s airport recently resumed operations following a prolonged suspension of flights amid tensions between federal and Jubbaland authorities. The reopening allowed travel to resume but also renewed political and security attention on the strategically located border district.

Security sources have linked Abdi’s return to Doolow to the resumption of airport operations. However, authorities have not publicly presented evidence showing that his return was connected to the drone strike.

The arrests indicate that Jubbaland authorities are investigating whether the drone strike relied on information supplied by people within or close to General Shuub’s security network. Any confirmed internal security breach could raise wider concerns about the protection of Somali political and military figures.

The reported use of a drone in a targeted nighttime attack also raises questions about access to advanced military technology and the command structure behind such operations. Identifying the aircraft’s operator and the authority that approved the strike will be central to establishing responsibility.

The investigation could intensify tensions between Jubbaland and Somalia’s federal government if accusations are made before credible evidence is released.