At least 19 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in a military operation in Somalia’s Lower Juba province on Monday, the Defense Ministry announced.
The Somali National Army’s elite Danab commandos, supported by the Jubaland Darawish Force and international allies, led the offensive near Baqooqaha, 13 kilometers west of Buulo Xaaji.
“The forces now in full control of the area continue clearing al-Shabaab hideouts and tunnels, recovering the bodies of the enemies of the Somali people,” the ministry said.
In the past five days, coordinated operations and airstrikes have killed over 50 al-Shabaab fighters, striking a heavy blow to the terror group.
Two Somali soldiers lost their lives during the offensive, with five others wounded, the ministry confirmed.
The Somali government reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to combating the al-Qaeda-affiliated “Khawarij” threat and ensuring national security and stability.
“Khawarij” is the term used by Somalia to describe al-Shabaab, which has waged war against the government since 2007.
For more than 16 years, al-Shabaab has terrorised civilians, frequently targeting government officials and military personnel across the country.
Somalia remains haunted by insecurity, with al-Shabaab and ISIS (Daesh) posing the gravest threats to peace and order.
This recent operation marks a significant advance in Somalia’s ongoing battle against extremism, aiming to restore hope and safety for its people.