Somali government and Jubbaland forces seize key areas from Al-Shabaab in Lower Juba

Somali National Army and Jubbaland State forces seized several strategically influential areas from the Al-Shabaab group in the Lower Juba region today, marking a major advancement in their ongoing operations against the militant group.

The allied forces captured Lagta Qubbi, Golhadamo, Biibi, Harboole, and Miido, which are located between the cities of Kismayo and Afmadow. The troops advanced from the Afmadow district and the Jannaay Cabdalle area to seize these territories.

In addition to capturing these areas, the forces destroyed Al-Shabaab's hideouts within these newly liberated regions. This effort is part of a broader operation aimed at clearing the main road between Kismayo and Afmadow, which was previously under Al-Shabaab control.

The operation also included similar raids in the areas of Joore and Weelmaarow. 

The exact number of casualties has not been disclosed.

These recent gains come as the Somali government and regional forces intensify their efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab's presence in the Lower Jubba region. On Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held a high-level meeting with Defence Ministry leadership and top army commanders at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Mogadishu, where he was was briefed on the raid.