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The Somali National Army’s elite Danab special forces carried out a carefully planned military operation in Jilib district late Saturday night, killing 15 al-Shabab fighters and capturing eight others, according to the Ministry of Defense. The raid targeted known militant positions in Jilib, a town that has long served as one of the group’s most important strongholds in southern Somalia.
Officials said the overnight operation was aimed at weakening al-Shabab’s ability to organize attacks, move supplies, and coordinate leadership activities. Jilib has for years been a strategic base for the armed group, making it a frequent focus of military pressure by Somali forces seeking to disrupt its command structure and reduce its influence in the region.
In a statement released after the operation, the Ministry of Defense said the mission showed the growing strength and effectiveness of the Somali National Army, particularly the Danab unit, which is trained to carry out high-risk and precision-based missions. The ministry noted that the use of air mobility played a key role in the success of the raid, allowing troops to reach their targets quickly and strike at a time when militants were less prepared to respond.
According to the statement, the operation demonstrated the army’s ability to conduct complex missions across long distances and in difficult terrain. Officials emphasized that Somali forces can now engage militant targets at any time and in various locations, reflecting improvements in planning, coordination, and execution. The ministry added that such capabilities are essential in countering a group like al-Shabab, which often relies on remote areas and local networks to evade security forces.
The Defense Ministry and the Somali National Army Command praised the Danab forces for their professionalism, discipline, and readiness. They said the success of the operation reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen national security institutions and ensure that Somali forces are capable of independently leading counterterrorism operations across the country.
Government officials also reaffirmed their commitment to continuing military pressure on al-Shabab. They stated that operations would not stop until the militant threat is completely removed and lasting peace and stability are achieved for the Somali people. The ministry stressed that protecting civilians and restoring government authority in areas previously controlled by militants remain top priorities.
Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for more than a decade, carrying out deadly bombings, targeted assassinations, and large-scale attacks on military bases, government buildings, and public places. The group has caused significant loss of life and suffering, particularly among civilians, and continues to pose a serious security challenge despite sustained military campaigns against it.
Although Somali forces, with support from international partners, have made gains in recent years, al-Shabab still maintains a presence in parts of southern and central Somalia. The group often adapts its tactics, using ambushes, roadside bombs, and suicide attacks to undermine security efforts and spread fear among local communities.
Jilib remains especially important to al-Shabab, both strategically and symbolically. It has been used as a center for planning, training, and propaganda, which is why it has repeatedly been targeted in military operations. Officials believe that continued pressure on such strongholds is critical to breaking the group’s operational capacity and limiting its ability to regroup.
The latest operation, authorities say, is part of a broader campaign to reclaim territory, restore normal life for civilians, and strengthen confidence in the country’s security forces. While challenges remain, the government insists that sustained and targeted operations like the one in Jilib are steadily weakening al-Shabab and bringing Somalia closer to long-term peace and stability.