The Somali National Army’s Danab unit, alongside Jubbaland security squads, stood watch after taking down an Al-Shabaab sanctuary in the Lower Jubba region. Their presence underscored ongoing efforts to eradicate militant strongholds in the area.
Mogadishu (AX) — At the break of dawn, Somali government forces joined by Jubbaland troops engaged in a skirmish with Al-Shabaab militants in Janay Abdalla, Lower Jubba. This clash represents the latest thrust in the government’s relentless drive to dismantle the militant group.
The confrontation broke out when Al-Shabaab fighters launched an assault on a military base in Janay Abdalla. The base was defended by the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubbaland paramilitary forces. A statement from the Somali Federal Government revealed that the government forces not only fended off the attack but also inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, leaving at least five militants dead. “The bodies of five extremists who intended to harm civilians remained as the terrorists retreated. Our pursuit of these Khawarij, who have long threatened our National Army and Jubbaland guards, is unrelenting,” the statement read.
This counter-attack fits into a broader military initiative in Lower Jubba aimed squarely at uprooting Al-Shabaab’s hold in the region. Prior offensives in July enabled the Somali National Army and Jubbaland forces to reclaim various key areas, including Lagta Qubbi, Golhadamo, Biibi, Harboole, and Miido. These maneuvers were crucial in reopening the main route between Kismayo and Afmadow, disrupting the group’s grip in the area.
On July 22, the government forces ramped up their campaign, eliminating over 80 Al-Shabaab militants and several of their leaders in an operation targeting Buulo Haaji, Baar Sanguuni, and Harboole. This raid also resulted in the capture of a significant weapons stash and the clearing of essential supply lines. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called these victories a turning point in the fight against the insurgents, praising the Somali Armed Forces for their crucial role.
Lower Jubba has historically served as a crucial stronghold for Al-Shabaab, facilitating operations close to the Kenyan border. Freeing this region is paramount to securing Kismayo, the provisional capital of the Jubbaland administration. Janay Abdalla and its environs remain central to the Somali military’s strategy to cripple Al-Shabaab’s operational base.
