Danab Commandos Kill 14 Al-Shabaab Militants, Capture Two Commanders in Lower Juba Operation

MOGADISHU – The Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos, operating in coordination with Jubbaland security forces, conducted a planned morning operation against Al-Shabaab militants in the Baqdaad area of the Badhaadhe district in Lower Juba, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

The operation targeted militant positions, resulting in the deaths of two commanders and 14 fighters affiliated with the group. Security forces also captured two additional commanders alive and recovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including materials used by the militants to carry out attacks and intimidate civilians.

The Danab commandos have been at the forefront of recent military campaigns in the region, having previously spearheaded advances toward Jamame, a district long considered a fortified sanctuary for Al-Shabaab. The elite unit, trained and equipped with support from the United States, has played a central role in high-risk operations against militant strongholds.

Targeting Al-Shabaab Leadership and Infrastructure

The operation in Baqdaad is part of a broader pattern of intensified offensives in the Lower Juba region, where Al-Shabaab has maintained a significant presence for years. The Badhaadhe district, in particular, has been a focus of counter-terrorism efforts. Jubbaland and SNA Danab forces have been systematically dismantling militant strongholds, with recent operations bringing troops closer to breaking Al-Shabaab’s grip on key towns like Jamaame.

The capture of two senior operatives represents a significant intelligence gain, potentially providing insight into the group’s command structures and future plans. Security officials have indicated that the operation was meticulously planned and executed with precision, reflecting the growing operational capacity of Somali special forces.

Prime Minister’s Commendation and Sustained Operations

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has previously commended the Danab and Jubbaland forces for their success in defending strategic locations, including the coastal town of Kudhaa, which was the scene of a major counter-offensive in January. The Prime Minister lauded the combat preparedness of the joint forces, which effectively neutralised a major assault by Al-Shabaab militants.

The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed that operations against Al-Shabaab will continue until all areas under militant control are liberated and security and stability are fully restored across the country. Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have intensified operations across southern Somalia, targeting leadership, infrastructure, and territorial holdings of the militant group.

Context of the Counter-Terrorism Campaign

The operation in Badhaadhe district comes amid a sustained military campaign against Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over 15 years. Joint operations in Jubaland have intensified, with Danab commandos and Jubbaland forces conducting coordinated offensives to dismantle militant networks and secure key transport corridors.

The recovery of weapons and military equipment from the Baqdaad area further underscores the group’s reliance on captured or illicitly obtained arms to sustain its operations. Recent offensives have also targeted Al-Shabaab’s financial networks and logistical infrastructure, aiming to degrade the group’s ability to fund and execute attacks.

Way Forward

The Somali National Army has stated that it will continue to conduct operations to eliminate Al-Shabaab from all remaining strongholds, with the ultimate goal of ensuring long-term peace and stability. The success of the Baqdaad operation reflects the increasing effectiveness of Somali forces, particularly the Danab commandos, who have become a cornerstone of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy. As the government continues its push to secure liberated areas and extend state authority, sustained coordination between federal and regional forces will remain critical.