U.S.-Backed Joint Forces Strike Al-Shabaab Strongholds in Major Offensive

In a significant escalation of counterinsurgency operations, Somali National Army (SNA) troops, alongside regional Jubbaland forces and with critical support from U.S. airstrikes, conducted a large-scale joint operation in the Lower Juba region, killing several Al-Shabaab fighters and destroying multiple militant bases, security officials confirmed on Monday.

The offensive targeted areas surrounding the Jamaame district, a known longtime stronghold of the militant group in southern Somalia. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) provided key aerial support, executing a series of airstrikes against militant positions and safehouses during the operation.

Military commanders reported that Al-Shabaab logistical hubs and bases were successfully destroyed across several locations, including Sanguuni, Muusa Haji, Araare, Koban, and Bangeeni. The operation also saw security forces expand their territorial control, securing multiple villages along the Jubba River and reopening routes that had been threatened by the insurgents.

On the opposite bank of the river, joint Somali and Jubbaland troops advanced into the areas of Jiibey, Malaaley, Janaale Jaay, and Soo Mareey. Engagements in these locations resulted in several militants killed and others wounded. A significant effort was also made to improve civilian safety, as soldiers located and dismantled numerous roadside bombs and landmines planted by Al-Shabaab to target both convoys and local populations.

The mission was led by Colonel Sadiiq Mahamud Dhogor, the Acting Police Commander of Lower Juba, and Colonel Nuur Mahad Hassan, Commander of the SNA’s 43rd Division. The operation involved elite units including the Danab commandos, Jubbaland regional forces, and was backed by U.S. aerial support coordinated through AFRICOM.

The Lower Juba region remains a critical battleground in Somalia’s prolonged fight against Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group. The riverine areas around Jamaame are of particular strategic importance due to their fertile farmland, key supply routes, and proximity to the port city of Kismayo.

A key objective of the operation was to reopen roads that had been severed by seasonal floods and militant activity. By restoring these vital lines of communication, Somali and Jubbaland forces aim to reestablish freedom of movement for civilians and goods, improve access for humanitarian aid, and establish new military outposts to solidify recent gains and sustain long-term counterinsurgency efforts.

This latest offensive highlights the Somali federal government’s continued reliance on partnerships with regional authorities and international military support, particularly from the United States, in its campaign to degrade Al-Shabaab. While military commanders have hailed the operation as a success, security analysts caution that the group remains deeply entrenched across southern Somalia, noting that maintaining sustained military and political pressure will be essential to securing lasting stability in the region.