U.S. and Somali Forces Target Al-Shabaab Positions in Lower Juba

According to statements from the Somali Government’s national broadcaster, the operations targeted several villages: Muuse Xaaji, Araare, Koban, Bangeeni, Maleyleey, Baladu-Raxma and Maam-Bile. Officials said government forces dismantled militant hideouts and pushed A-Shabaab fighters out of areas where they had been operating.

Somali commanders reported that the ground operations were carried out alongside supporting airstrikes, which destroyed locations used by the group for sheltering fighters and coordinating movements. They added that forces were continuing to pursue remaining militants who fled during the offensive.

Jubbaland regional authorities also issued their own update, confirming that coalition forces—backed by international partners—had struck Al-Shabaab bases across the same cluster of villages. They reported the destruction of logistical points, the seizure of explosives and the capture of individuals said to be involved in planting landmines.

Officials from both the Federal Government and Jubbaland administration said joint counterterrorism operations would continue “until the area is fully stabilised” and civilian life returns to normal.