Jamamr, Jubbaland – Danab commandos of the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by Jubbaland’s regional special forces, have seized key positions in Lower Jubba in one of the most consequential military operations mounted in the region in recent years. The elite Danab unit spearheaded the advance, capturing Araare Bridge and securing major access roads that lead directly toward Jamame, a district long considered a fortified sanctuary for Al-Shabaab.
Residents described an intense early-morning movement of troops as the joint forces pushed into areas that had been under militant control for more than a decade. The fall of Araare Bridge represents a strategic breakthrough, giving the advancing units a vital supply and mobility route as they tighten pressure on Jamame from multiple fronts.
This operation extends into the wider Jamame–Jilib corridor, believed to be home to some of Al-Shabaab’s most senior leaders and their families. For years, the area has functioned as the insurgent group’s nerve center, shielding its commanders and enabling the planning of attacks across the country.
Local accounts indicate that militants withdrew from some positions ahead of the assault, though fears of counter-attacks persist as the forces move deeper into contested territory. Officials say the goal is not only to recapture ground but also to dismantle the group’s protected zones and disrupt its leadership structure.
With Danab commandos now holding newly secured routes, expectations are rising over the next phase of the advance—one many hope will further erode Al-Shabaab’s grip on southern Somalia.