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The Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos, alongside Jubbaland’s Dervish forces, have killed more than 50 Al-Shabaab militants in a joint military operation carried out in the Lower Juba region. The operation, which took place over three days, focused on the areas of Maqooqaha and nearby villages, where the militants had recently regrouped.
In a statement released by the Federal Government on Monday, officials confirmed the success of the mission. They reported that among the dead were key figures within Al-Shabaab, although the specific names of those leaders were not revealed.
The forces also seized a large number of weapons and military equipment. In addition, several caves used by the militants as hideouts were discovered and destroyed during the operation.
This latest offensive is part of an ongoing campaign by Somali government troops and regional allies to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip in southern Somalia. The militants had been using rural areas of Lower Juba to regroup after facing pressure from military operations earlier in June 2025.
According to the government, the operation was carefully planned and executed to avoid harm to civilians. Local residents were warned in advance, and no civilian casualties have been reported so far.
Security experts say these efforts are critical for long-term stability in the region. Al-Shabaab has long used remote areas in southern Somalia to hide and plan attacks. By flushing them out of these strongholds, the government hopes to make it harder for the group to organize and recruit new fighters.
Officials praised the coordination between the national and regional forces. The Danab Commandos are a highly trained unit within the Somali army, known for their precision and efficiency. Their partnership with Jubbaland’s Dervish forces, who are familiar with the local terrain, has been key to recent gains in the area.
The government emphasized that the fight against Al-Shabaab is far from over, but operations like these show that progress is being made. More missions are expected in the coming weeks as part of the wider strategy to eliminate the militant group’s influence in Lower Juba and other regions.
For years, Al-Shabaab has been one of the biggest threats to Somalia’s peace and development. The group has carried out deadly attacks across the country, targeting civilians, government officials, and international forces. However, recent joint operations have pushed the group into retreat in many areas.
Local leaders in Lower Juba have welcomed the military action. They say residents have been living in fear under Al-Shabaab’s shadow, and these operations bring new hope for peace and normalcy. Communities are being encouraged to support government efforts by reporting suspicious activity and rejecting extremist ideologies.
In conclusion, the killing of over 50 Al-Shabaab militants by Somali and Jubbaland forces is a significant victory in the country’s fight against terrorism. It marks another step forward in efforts to secure the Lower Juba region and prevent the group from regaining strength. While challenges remain, such successes show that Somalia’s security forces are gaining ground and building momentum in their long struggle for stability and peace.