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.
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.
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.
Danab Commandos and Previous Operations
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.
In February 2026, the National Intelligence and Security Agency, working alongside international allies, executed a precise operation in the Saakow district of Middle Juba, resulting in the death of Mohamed Sahal Idle (also known as Abu Osama), a senior Al-Shabaab figure and trusted aide to the group’s leader. Security sources indicated Abu Osama was being prepared to assume the role of the organization’s finance minister following the death of Abdullahi Wadaad, who was neutralized in a joint operation in Lower Shabelle on January 23.
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.
The Minister of Defense has officially confirmed that government forces have fully secured the strategic arterial road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, marking a highly significant development in ongoing national military operations. “The road is now secure for civilian travel, reestablishing essential transportation between the capital and the Bay region,” he stated.
The Somali National Army has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations aimed at ensuring long-term stability, security, and the protection of civilians.
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.
