MOGADISHU — The Somali National Army (SNA), in coordination with Jubbaland Security Forces, has launched a major military operation spanning areas in Lower and Middle Juba regions, targeting Al-Shabaab positions in strategic locations, officials said Wednesday.
Military activities are focused in districts including Jilib, Xagar, and Afmadow, specifically in locations such as Waraha Qalley, Farshabeel, Jigees, Qawiley, and Weelmaarow, where ground troops have advanced to dismantle militant strongholds.
Airstrikes and International Support
Security sources indicate that the current offensive has been strengthened through coordinated airstrikes with assistance from international allies, mounting substantial pressure on militant hideouts throughout the area.
Separately, the National Armed Forces, working with international partners, conducted six airstrikes in Tardho (Hiiraan), Ugunji (Lower Shabelle), Daynuunaay (Bay), and Qumbi (Lower Jubba). These operations targeted Al-Shabaab positions after recent surveillance detected militant activity in the areas, destroying key enemy strongholds.
Casualties and Seized Weapons
The military campaign in the Juba regions has delivered a significant blow to Al-Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of 27 militants, including senior commanders within the organization. Authorities have also confiscated substantial quantities of weaponry and military supplies, such as BKM machine guns, RPG launchers, AK-47 rifles, and explosive materials planned for use against civilian and security targets.
The airstrikes across the four regions resulted in an additional 54 Al-Shabaab militants killed and several others wounded. Supply stockpiles were also destroyed, severely limiting the group’s logistics, movement, and capacity to plan attacks against Somali civilians.
“The Somali National Army, in coordination with Jubbaland Security Forces, is conducting a large-scale military operation across parts of the Lower and Middle Juba regions, targeting Al-Shabaab militants in key strongholds,” the Ministry of Defense stated.
Defense Minister Confirms Expanded Operations
Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has detailed ambitious operational plans to advance ground forces from Barawe in the Lower Shabelle region directly toward Jilib. This planned offensive is part of a much wider, coordinated initiative to systematically extend federal government authority and security architecture throughout the entire nation.
“The Somali National Army has regained strong, independent operational capabilities and is now fully capable of conducting targeted, high-intensity offensives in remaining militant-controlled areas,” Minister Fiqi stated.
Military leadership has confirmed that operations continue, with current efforts concentrated on eliminating remaining militant presence and reinforcing security advances across the Juba regions.
Somalia-U.S. Cooperation on Media and Counterterrorism
In a separate development, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Da’ud Aweis Jama met with Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Somalia, Justin Davis, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in media development, public awareness campaigns, and counterterrorism efforts.
The two officials also examined strategies to advance Somalia’s arts, culture, and tourism industries as part of the nation’s wider development goals.
Minister Jama highlighted the government’s dedication to improving the media landscape and increasing public awareness to foster peace and stability. Ambassador Davis confirmed the United States’ continued backing for Somalia’s initiatives in these domains.
“Pleased to have productive talks with Amb. Justin Davis, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Somalia. We discussed enhancing cooperation in media development, counter-terrorism public awareness, and promoting arts, culture, and tourism,” Jama stated.
Both parties committed to expanded collaboration to achieve sustainable advancement in media, cultural development, and tourism, acknowledging these areas as essential for Somalia’s rehabilitation and long-term prosperity.
Ongoing Counter-Terrorism Campaign
The latest operations are part of intensified efforts by allied forces against Al-Shabaab insurgents in south-central Somalia in recent months. Al-Shabaab, which is linked to al-Qaeda, continues to pose a significant threat to peace and stability in Somalia and the region, controlling large swaths of southern and central Somalia despite ongoing military offensives by government forces and their allies.
Somali authorities pledged continued operations against Al-Shabaab to enhance security and stability throughout the Jubba region.
The Somali National Army has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations aimed at ensuring long-term stability, security, and the protection of civilians.
