Jubaland Forces, Danab Special Forces Target Al-Shabaab Hideouts Near Jilib

KISMAYO – Jubaland regional forces, backed by Somalia’s elite Danab Special Forces, have destroyed at least seven Al-Shabaab bases in a planned military operation on the outskirts of Jilib district in the Middle Jubba region, officials have confirmed.

The Friday operation targeted positions used by the group’s fighters, with security forces seizing weapons, military supplies and other equipment found at the sites. According to the Commander of the Lower Jubba Regional Police Division, Sadiiq Mohamud Dhogor, one of the targeted areas was Gambaale, which he described as one of Al-Shabaab’s largest hideouts in the area.

“This operation is part of efforts to strengthen security and continue the fight against Khawaarij militants. The operations will continue until the militants hiding in Jubaland territories are eliminated,” Dhogor said.

Strategic Importance of the Operation

The operation comes as Jubaland forces and Danab commandos have been conducting operations against Al-Shabaab in recent days in the areas of Harboole, Miido and Weel-marow. The military campaign is part of efforts to reopen the strategic road linking Kismayo and Afmadow in Lower Jubba region, a route that had previously been blocked by Al-Shabaab fighters.

Much of Lower Jubba region, particularly rural areas outside major towns, remains under significant influence of Al-Shabaab. Jubaland officials say the ongoing operations are aimed at expanding government control, securing key roads, and restoring access to areas where the group has maintained operational activity.

The Gambaale area, described as a major Al-Shabaab stronghold, has long served as a base for the group’s fighters, enabling them to launch attacks and intimidate civilians in the region. Its destruction represents a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities in the Middle Jubba region.

A Pattern of Military Operations

The operation is part of an ongoing military campaign by Somali and Jubaland forces against Al-Shabaab, which has intensified in recent months. The group continues to control large areas of southern and central Somalia and has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to exploit political divisions and weak state institutions.

In November 2025, Danab commandos seized key positions in Lower Jubba in one of the most consequential military operations mounted in the region in recent years, capturing the Araare Bridge and securing major access roads leading directly toward Jamame, a district long considered a fortified sanctuary for Al-Shabaab. In January 2026, the Somali army’s Danab special forces carried out a night operation in Jilib district, targeting the al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab terrorist group.

The ongoing operations are intended to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip on the region, but the group has proven resilient, frequently regrouping and adapting to military pressure. The effectiveness of these operations in achieving lasting stability remains uncertain, as Al-Shabaab continues to exploit governance vacuums and local grievances.

Way Forward

The destruction of seven Al-Shabaab bases near Jilib marks a significant tactical victory for Jubaland and Somali forces. However, the long-term success of the campaign will depend on the ability of the government to establish effective administration and prevent the group from re-establishing its presence in the area. As Dhogor stated, operations will continue until the militants hiding in Jubaland territories are eliminated. Whether this objective can be achieved remains to be seen.