KISMAYO, Somalia – The US-trained Danab commandos with the help of the Jubaland Darwish have carried out planned operations in several areas of the Lower Jubba region.
The joint forces targeted Al-Shabaab-held areas in the West of the city of Kismayo, the capital of the Lower Jubba region, which has witnessed increased operations in the past.
The troops captured Barjala, Dharkayn Urur, Sariraha, Orgiyow, Yaaq Aleen, and Aboodin from Al-Shabaab, ending years of threat to the port city which houses Jubaland leader.
No casualties were reported as a result of the operations and the officials said that the areas were used by Al-Shabaab to organize the attacks in the Lower Jubba region.
Jubbaland is one of the areas where Al-Shabaab still has a strong presence and awaits an offensive by SNA who are now battling the militants in Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.
The government-led military operation against al-Shabaab in central Somalia has led to an influx of militants southwards towards Jubaland state, according to the security experts.
As part of the second phase of the army offensive, the federal government plans to expand the offensive to Jubaland and Southwest states in southern Somalia in the final push.
The new phase reportedly aims to flush out al-Shabaab from the remaining parts of the country under its control, following the first phase that began in August 2022.
In the first phase, the government sought support from clan militias from the Hawiye clan, and regained substantial territory from al-Shabaab. Subsequently, clan militias have played a vital role in the government-led operation.
