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Somali government forces, working alongside Jubbaland regional security units and with support from international partners, have repelled a major attack by the militant group al-Shabab on the town of Kudhaa in the Lower Juba region, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense. The operation, which lasted more than 24 hours, resulted in the deaths of over 130 militants and marked one of the most significant clashes in the area in recent months.
Officials said the fighting began when al-Shabab launched a coordinated assault aimed at overrunning Kudhaa, a strategically important town in southern Somalia. Government and allied forces responded quickly, engaging the attackers in sustained ground combat. As the battle unfolded, Somali troops and their partners managed to halt the advance and gradually push the militants out of the town and its surrounding areas.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Ministry of Defense said the joint operation caused heavy losses for al-Shabab, with many fighters killed and others injured. The ministry praised the determination and discipline of the forces involved, saying their coordinated response prevented the group from gaining control of the town. Officials also confirmed that several vehicles and weapons were recovered after the militants retreated, suggesting the attackers were forced to withdraw in haste.
The Somali National Army’s elite Danab commandos played a central role in the operation, according to the ministry. Danab units, known for their specialized training and counterterrorism capabilities, fought alongside Jubbaland Security Forces on the ground. International partners provided support, though officials did not give details about the nature of that assistance. The cooperation between federal, regional, and international forces was highlighted as a key factor in the success of the mission.
After the fighting ended, authorities said Kudhaa and nearby areas were fully secured and firmly under government control. Security forces remain deployed in and around the town to ensure stability and to prevent any attempts by al-Shabab to regroup or launch new attacks. Officials stressed that maintaining a strong presence is essential to protecting civilians and restoring normal life after such clashes.
The Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army Command both described the operation as a major setback for al-Shabab in Lower Juba. The region has long been used by the group as a base for planning attacks and moving supplies, due in part to its location near the Kenyan border and its difficult terrain. Disrupting militant activity in this area is seen as critical to improving security not only in southern Somalia but also in neighboring regions.
Somali authorities reiterated that military operations against al-Shabab will continue as part of a broader effort to bring lasting peace and stability to the country. While Somali forces, with help from regional and international allies, have made steady gains in recent years, officials acknowledge that the group remains capable of launching complex and deadly attacks.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has carried out assaults on towns, military bases, and civilian targets across Somalia. Despite sustained pressure, the group continues to pose a serious threat, particularly in rural and border regions like Lower Juba. The government says recent operations show that improved coordination and sustained action can weaken the group’s ability to operate.
For residents of Kudhaa, the successful defense of the town offers a sense of relief, even as uncertainty remains. Officials say restoring services and ensuring long-term security will be priorities in the coming days. The government has called on local communities to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activity, emphasizing that public support is vital in the fight against militant violence.