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Somali forces, in collaboration with Jubbaland Dervish fighters, have successfully eliminated 48 Al-Shabaab militants in a large-scale operation targeting key strongholds in the Lower Juba region. The offensive, which took place over two days, focused on the outskirts of Barjala, where intelligence reports indicated that the extremist group had been regrouping.
The Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos played a central role in the operation, executing precise strikes against Al-Shabaab positions. Government officials confirmed that in addition to neutralizing dozens of fighters, joint forces captured two militants alive and seized a cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, BKM machine guns, and other combat equipment used by the insurgents.
“This tactical operation was carried out to destroy strategic positions of the Khawarij group in the area, which were important for the coordination and activities of the terrorist militias,” a government statement read. The offensive is part of Somalia’s broader military campaign to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity across southern and central Somalia.
The operation follows a series of successful offensives this week in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Juba, where more than 120 militants were killed, including senior commanders. Somali authorities have vowed to sustain pressure on the group until its complete defeat, with support from local clan militias and international partners.
Security analysts note that the latest offensive underscores the Somali government’s commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab’s presence in key regions. The militant group, which has waged an insurgency for over 15 years, continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia’s stability, frequently targeting civilians, military personnel, and government institutions.
The Somali government has reiterated its determination to maintain momentum in the fight against Al-Shabaab, emphasizing that military operations will persist until the group is fully dismantled. Officials have urged residents in liberated areas to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activity to prevent further insurgent regrouping.
As Somalia intensifies its counterterrorism efforts, the success of joint operations like the one in Jubbaland signals progress in reclaiming territory and weakening Al-Shabaab’s influence. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government can sustain its territorial gains and continue pushing the militants out of strategic locations.