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U.S. Commander of Special Operations Command Africa, Maj. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr., met with Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe in Kismayo on Monday to discuss ongoing military operations against the militant group al-Shabab and ways to strengthen security cooperation in southern Somalia.
The meeting took place at a time when counterterrorism efforts in the Jubbaland region have intensified. Somali security forces, working together with international partners, are increasing operations aimed at weakening the al-Qaida-linked group, which has remained one of the biggest security threats in the country for years.
According to a statement from the Jubbaland presidency, the discussions focused on improving coordination between Jubbaland’s security forces and U.S. military officials. Both sides emphasized the importance of working closely together to strengthen the fight against al-Shabab and promote stability in southern Somalia.
Officials said the talks also explored ways to expand future cooperation. This could include more training programs, technical support, and operational assistance designed to improve the effectiveness of local security forces. Strengthening the capacity of regional forces is seen as an important step toward maintaining security gains and protecting communities in the region.
Jubbaland’s Minister of Internal Security, Yusuf Hussein Osman, also attended the meeting. His presence highlighted the importance of security coordination between regional authorities and international partners involved in counterterrorism operations.
The visit came shortly after a recent airstrike carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in the Harbole area, located about 75 kilometers northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM said the strike targeted al-Shabab fighters in an effort to disrupt the group’s activities and reduce threats to both civilians and security forces in the area.
U.S. officials have repeatedly said that such operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks. Airstrikes are often used alongside ground operations led by Somali forces to weaken militant networks and prevent them from regrouping.
For many years, the United States has been one of Somalia’s key security partners. Through AFRICOM and other initiatives, the U.S. has provided air support, intelligence sharing, training, and advisory assistance to Somali federal and regional forces. These efforts are designed to strengthen Somalia’s ability to handle security challenges independently while also supporting ongoing operations against extremist groups.
Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for more than 16 years and continues to carry out attacks targeting civilians, government institutions, and security forces. Despite losing control of some territory over time, the group remains active in many parts of the country and continues to pose a serious threat to stability.
Regional administrations such as Jubbaland play a crucial role in the fight against the group. Their security forces often operate on the front lines, working alongside the Somali National Army and international partners to push back militant fighters and protect local communities.
The meeting in Kismayo signals continued cooperation between the United States and Somali regional authorities in addressing security challenges. Officials say strengthening partnerships, improving coordination, and building the capacity of local forces remain key elements in the broader effort to weaken al-Shabab and support long-term stability in Somalia.