On Tuesday, the Somali government confirmed the death of numerous Al-Shabaab militants. Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al Adala announced that over 50 members of Al-Shabaab were killed during a military operation in the lower Juba region. He further stated that 20 others were apprehended alive during the fourth day of offensive maneuvers in Muse-Haji, Malaylay, Turdho, Baxar-saafka, and surrounding areas in lower Juba.
The military has been conducting operations in villages and regions of lower Juba since Saturday, resulting in the elimination and arrest of many Al-Shabaab members and leaders. Al Adala reported that the Somali National Army, with the assistance of Jubaland State forces, continues to pursue Al-Shabaab militants in the forests of lower Juba for the fourth consecutive day. This offensive is part of the government’s intensified efforts against Al-Shabaab, with recent successes in central Somalia.
Additionally, 30 Al-Shabaab militants were reported killed in the Jamaame area and along the river in lower Juba on Monday. Ten others involved in public disturbances in the Bar Sanguuni area were also captured by the army. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared a “total war” on the Al-Shabaab extremists who have long held sway in parts of the country and perpetrated destructive attacks. Somalia has witnessed a surge in deadly attacks by militants against military and civilian targets.
The African Union force is scheduled to withdraw from the country by the end of 2024, handing over security responsibilities to Somalia. Last month, the United States and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of up to five military bases for the Somali army’s Danab Brigade. Meanwhile, Somali Interior Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi engaged in discussions in Mogadishu on Tuesday with high-ranking Indian officials, led by Sureh Kumara from the Foreign Ministry. They deliberated on various matters, including bilateral cooperation and the progress made by the Somali government in security and development initiatives.
