Following the destruction of Al-Shabaab hideout in the Lower Jubba region, the Somali National Army’s Danab forces and Jubbaland security forces stand guard, demonstrating ongoing efforts to eradicate militant presence in the area.
Several Al-Shabaab militants were killed early on Sunday in a battle in Janay Abdalla, Lower Jubba, by Jubbaland troops and Somali government forces.
This was the latest offensive in the government’s ongoing campaign to destroy the militant group.
When Al-Shabaab militants attacked a military base in Janay Abdalla that was manned by Jubbaland armed units and Somali National Army (SNA) forces, the fighting broke out.
The militants suffered heavy losses, with at least five members slain, when the government troops repulsed the attack, according to a statement from the Federal Government of Somalia.
“All others were run away; the bodies of five Khawarij (Al-Shabab) who wanted to harm civilians were left behind.”
The Federal Government declared that “pursuit of these Khawarij, who have been a persistent threat to the Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces, is ongoing.”
The militant attack was repulsed, as part of a bigger military operation in Lower Jubba to destroy Al-Shabaab’s power army will continue its operations against Al-Shabab.
The Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces captured several strategic areas, including Lagta Qubbi, Golhadamo, Biibi, Harboole, and Miido, during earlier operations in July.
These offensives were essential in breaking Al-Shabaab’s hold on the area and reopening the main road between Kismayo and Afmadow, which had been under their control.
Over 80 Al-Shabaab fighters, including several leaders, were killed by government forces last July during an operation that targeted Buulo Haaji, Baar Sanguuni, and Harboole.
The operation was intensified.
Important supply routes were cleared, and a sizable cache of weapons was taken during the raid.
The Somali Armed Forces were praised by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for playing a role in the victories, which he described as a turning point in the war against the militants.
Al-Shabaab has long used Lower Jubba as a tactical bastion and operational hub close to the Kenyan border.
Securing Kismayo, the Jubbaland state’s temporary capital, depends on the region’s liberation.
The Somali military is still focusing on Janay Abdalla and its surroundings in an effort to undermine Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity.