Jubaland Forces Recapture Kudhaa from Al-Shabaab

By Shire Abdi - Reporter

Somalia, 22 January 2026 Jubaland State forces, together with Somalia’s elite Danab troops have retaken control of the coastal town of Kudhaa in the Badhaadhe district, following its capture by Al-Shabaab militants on Wednesday, local authorities said.

According to Jubaland State television, troops advanced from multiple directions early on Thursday and secured the town within 24 hours, detaining some militants and prompting others to flee. Some insurgents reportedly surrendered to the security forces.

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Jubbaland’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, tweeted: “Jubbaland forces have fully regained control of the coastal area of Kudhaa after yesterday’s Al-Shabaab attack,” sending a congratulatory message to the security personnel.

The recapture comes a day after Al-Shabaab claimed to have overrun military positions in Kudhaa, a strategic location in southern Somalia, and seized weapons. The operation highlights ongoing efforts by Somali regional forces to counter persistent Al-Shabaab attacks across southern and central Somalia.

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