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 Tuesday.
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.
Danab Commandos Lead Southern Offensive
The operation builds on previous successful advances in the region. In November 2025, Danab commandos of the SNA, supported by Jubbaland’s regional special forces, 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 leading 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 represented a strategic breakthrough, giving advancing units a vital supply and mobility route as they tightened pressure on Jamame from multiple fronts.
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.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), conducting highly synchronized precision operations alongside international security partners, has previously eliminated senior commanders within Al-Shabaab networks across Middle Juba and Lower Shabelle regions. Those strategic operations targeted and destroyed critical leadership elements responsible for international terror coordination and domestic suicide missions.
In March 2026, intelligence and strike teams neutralized Abdihamid Ali Abdullahi Maalim in the contested geographical corridor between the Kuunyo Barrow area and the Jilib district. This high-value target served as the primary link connecting the domestic insurgency with broader international terrorist syndicates, responsible for the illegal acquisition and smuggling of advanced weaponry into the republic.
Casualties and Seized Weapons
The military campaign 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.
In January 2026, coordinated strikes in the Saakow District of Middle Juba Region targeted and fully demolished Al-Shabaab’s largest explosives manufacturing plant, resulting in the deaths of 18 militants, including specialized bomb-makers actively preparing devices to target Somali civilians. Simultaneously, Danab Special Forces executed a targeted overnight operation in the Buur Eyle area, killing 22 terrorists and eliminating all explosive materials intended for assault.
Defense Minister Confirms Expanded Operations
“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 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.
Strategic Partnership with Jubbaland Forces
Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam recently hosted Maj. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr., commander of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), for a strategic meeting in Kismayo to enhance regional cooperation in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. The high-level meeting centered on reinforcing strategic military alliances and intensifying joint counterterrorism operations.
Maj. Gen. Tudor explicitly praised recent joint military operations undertaken by Jubaland State forces operating alongside the elite Somali Danab Advanced Infantry Brigade, noting tactical victories such as the successful joint defense of the strategic coastal town of Kudhaa.
Operations Continue
Military leadership has confirmed that operations continue, with current efforts concentrated on eliminating remaining militant presence and reinforcing security advances across the Juba regions.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre issued a strong commendation to the elite Danab Special Forces and Jubbaland regional security forces following successful military operations in the Lower Juba region, lauding the combat preparedness of the joint forces.
“The courage and expertise displayed by our soldiers indicate the advancements achieved in enhancing national security,” Prime Minister Barre stated.
The Somali National Army has reiterated its dedication to pursuing operations designed to establish lasting stability, enhance security, and safeguard civilian populations.
