KUDHAA — The militant group Al-Shabaab has issued a statement claiming that airstrikes conducted by the United States military killed nearly two dozen prisoners of war, following a fierce 24-hour battle for the strategic town of Kudhaa in the Lower Juba region.
The claim comes amidst conflicting reports regarding the outcome of the heavy fighting that erupted on Wednesday between the insurgents and joint Somali forces.
Militants Allege “Friendly Fire” on Prisoners
On Thursday, Al-Shabaab reported that U.S. airstrikes targeted the bases they had briefly seized from Jubaland regional troops. The group alleged that the strikes hit a location where captured soldiers were receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the initial assault.
According to the militant group’s media, these strikes resulted in the deaths of 17 captured Jubaland forces and wounded several others. Additionally, the group accused U.S. forces of targeting civilian residences during the bombardment. These claims have not been independently verified.
Al-Shabaab further asserted that the death toll of Jubaland forces from the Wednesday attack had risen to 132, with over 40 wounded. The group stated that its fighters had seized a significant cache of weapons before voluntarily withdrawing from the small town, located approximately 100 km southeast of Kismayo. To support their narrative, the group released images purportedly showing their fighters inside a Jubaland military base, alongside bodies of soldiers and other detainees.
Government Claims 130 Militants Killed
Contradicting the insurgent’s narrative of a “successful raid and withdrawal,” the Federal Government of Somalia declared the operation a major victory for the state. The Ministry of Defense stated that the Somali National Army (SNA), led by the elite Danab commandos and supported by Jubaland Security Forces and international partners, had successfully repelled the attack.
Official reports indicate that the joint counter-offensive resulted in the deaths of more than 130 Al-Shabaab fighters. Security sources described the engagement as an intelligence-driven operation that spanned several hours, eliminating several high-ranking insurgent commanders and numerous fighters who were attempting to retreat.
“The security forces’ prompt and professional response eliminated the threat… establishing stability in the Lower Juba region,” the Council of Ministers noted during their weekly meeting in Mogadishu on Thursday.
Status of the Town
Following the cessation of hostilities on Thursday, control of Kudhaa has returned to government hands. Military sources confirmed that Danab commandos and Jubaland forces have re-established a visible presence in the town and are conducting clearance operations in the surrounding remote areas to prevent the militants from reorganizing.
The allied forces reportedly recovered numerous weapons and armored vehicles abandoned by the fleeing militants. While the government has not provided visual evidence to counter Al-Shabaab’s propaganda images, officials maintain that the area is now fully stabilized and under state control.
