Somali Prime Minister Praises Forces for Foiling Kudhaa Attack

By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter

Somalia, 22 January 2026 Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre on Wednesday commended Danab and Jubaland security forces for repelling an Al Shabaab attack in the coastal town of Kudhaa, Lower Juba region, making him the only senior federal government official to publicly comment on the incident so far.

In a statement, Hamsa said the attack was thwarted through vigilance, intelligence gathering and effective leadership, commending commanders, officers and soldiers involved in the operation.

“I extend my congratulations and appreciation to the brave Danab and Jubaland forces who, with great sacrifice, defeated the Al Shabaab suicide attackers who attempted a surprise assault on the coastal town of Kudhaa in Lower Juba,” the Prime Minister said.

Hamsa offered condolences to the families of soldiers killed in the fighting and wished a speedy recovery to those wounded, pledging continued support for the security forces.

More from Somalia

Jubaland Forces Recapture Kudhaa from Al-Shabaab

Israel and Somaliland Presidents Meet in Davos

Jubaland state television, which speaks for the regional administration, earlier said government forces had foiled the Al Shabaab attack on Kudhaa.

Al Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked group fighting to overthrow Somalia’s federal government, said on Wednesday that it had seized the area. Local residents said the militants had entered parts of Kudhaa, although those accounts could not be independently verified.

Following the attack, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out an air strike targeting Al Shabaab in the area, according to security sources.

Somalia’s federal government has not issued any further comment on the attack beyond the Prime Minister’s statement.

Discover more Somalia updates

Somalia's Opposition Coalition Meets in Nairobi Following Government Invitation