Jubaland Forces Deal Major Blow to al-Shabab in Lower Juba

Jubaland Forces Deal Major Blow to al-Shabab in Lower Juba

Jubaland security forces have killed more than 60 al-Shabab fighters, including senior operatives, during a four-day offensive in the Lagta Hola–Wajeer area of Badhaadhe district in Lower Juba. The operation targeted the “Black Sea” forested zone, a long-standing stronghold and staging ground for attacks across the region, officials said. This marks a significant achievement in Somalia’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

Strategic Operation with International Support

The offensive, led by Jubaland’s security director Mohamed Ahmed Sabriye, known as “Basaam,” was carried out with air support from international partners. Security authorities reported the recovery of 60 militant bodies and the seizure of a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including land mines, improvised explosive devices, communications gear, and other military supplies. Several al-Shabab facilities, including logistics hubs, weapons depots, bomb-making sites, and communications centers, were destroyed during the operation.

The targeted sites had been used to coordinate attacks against civilians and security installations, including a recent assault in Kudhaa. By dismantling these facilities, Jubaland forces aim to disrupt al-Shabab’s operational capabilities and limit the group’s ability to launch attacks in the region.

Leadership Praise and Continued Operations

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, currently in Mogadishu for political consultations, praised the regional forces for delivering a decisive blow to al-Shabab. He emphasized that operations would continue until the militant group is fully removed from Lower Juba, underscoring the regional government’s commitment to restoring security and stability in the area.

Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-affiliated insurgent group, has waged a violent campaign against Somalia’s federal government for more than 15 years. Despite significant territorial losses in recent years, the group maintains pockets of influence in parts of southern Somalia, including rural areas of Lower Juba.

The successful offensive highlights the effectiveness of coordinated regional and international counterterrorism efforts. By combining local knowledge with external support, Jubaland forces are making measurable progress in reducing al-Shabab’s operational capacity and safeguarding communities across southern Somalia.