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Danab Commandos and Jubbaland Dervish forces carried out a coordinated security operation on Thursday night in the Jamaame district of Somalia’s Lower Jubba region, successfully killing a senior Al-Shabaab commander and several members of his group. The operation, which officials described as carefully planned and intelligence-driven, marked one of the most significant recent gains in the ongoing effort to weaken the extremist group’s presence in southern Somalia.
According to a statement released by the Jubbaland administration on Friday, the target of the operation was a well-known Al-Shabaab leader named Farah Jibriil. He was identified as one of the most influential and feared militant commanders operating in the Jamaame area, where Al-Shabaab has held strong influence for years. Security officials said Jibriil was responsible for numerous acts of violence, intimidation, and oppression against communities living in the region. The statement noted that his activities had contributed to long-term instability, preventing residents from living freely, engaging in trade, or accessing basic services without fear.
During the Thursday night operation, Jubbaland authorities confirmed that Jibriil was killed along with seven of his bodyguards. While the statement did not give detailed accounts of the operation, it emphasized that the mission was the result of a lengthy pursuit. Security forces had reportedly been tracking the commander’s movements for an extended period, gathering intelligence and waiting for the right moment to strike. Officials said this careful preparation was a key factor in the successful outcome.
The Jubbaland administration described the killing of Jibriil as an important milestone in the broader campaign to restore stability in Lower Jubba. They noted that removing influential leaders from Al-Shabaab’s structure weakens the group’s ability to plan attacks, recruit fighters, and collect illegal taxes from civilians living under their control. The administration added that such operations are part of a long-term strategy to dismantle the group’s networks across the region and to improve the safety of communities who have suffered under extremist influence.
Officials from both the Danab Commandos and the Jubbaland Dervish forces said the operation reflects their renewed determination to completely eliminate Al-Shabaab’s presence in the Lower Jubba region. They highlighted that more security missions are already planned and will continue to target key hideouts, supply routes, and commanders who have been involved in destabilizing the area. These operations, they said, are intended not only to weaken the group but also to give residents confidence that government forces are committed to restoring peace in their communities.
The latest operation took place at a time when Somali government troops and Jubbaland regional forces are jointly conducting a wider campaign in and around Jamaame. This campaign, now in its third week, aims to reclaim areas that have remained under Al-Shabaab control for many years. Security officials believe that consistent pressure on the group is essential in forcing them out of key locations and helping local communities regain access to their land, farms, and livelihoods.
Residents in Lower Jubba have long faced challenges caused by insecurity, including restricted movement, blocked trade routes, and limited humanitarian support. Government officials say that continued cooperation between national and regional forces will play a major role in changing this situation and creating an environment where civilians can live without fear of extremist influence.
The killing of Farah Jibriil is seen as a step forward in this effort. While officials acknowledge that Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat, they say ongoing military operations and improved coordination between different security units offer hope for long-term stability. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that all remaining pockets of militant control are eventually cleared, allowing the region to move toward lasting peace.