Somali forces say they killed 27 al-Shabab fighters in a large-scale operation in Jubbaland that included airstrikes from unnamed international partners. The offensive, conducted with Jubbaland security forces, targeted Jilib, Xagar and Afmadow and resulted in the seizure of heavy weapons and landmines. The Defence Ministry said operations will continue to pursue remaining militants as displacement and insecurity persist in regions such as Middle Shabelle.
Somalia Says 27 al-Shabab Fighters Killed in Jubbaland Operation Backed by International Airstrikes
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud [Feisel Omar/Reuters]
Somalia's Ministry of Defence says its forces killed 27 al-Shabab fighters in a large-scale operation in the autonomous state of Jubbaland, carried out with airstrike support from unnamed international partners.
Operation Details
The ministry said on Tuesday that the offensive was conducted alongside Jubbaland security forces across the Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions. The operation targeted the districts of Jilib, Xagar and Afmadow.
Officials described the action as a "major blow" to al-Shabab, reporting that several key members of the group were among those killed. The statement did not identify the international partners involved; the United States has previously provided support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabab.
Weapons Seized
The Somali army said it seized weapons and military equipment, including BKM machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), AK-47 rifles and landmines that militants had allegedly intended to use against civilians.
Ongoing Operations And Impact
The Defence Ministry said follow-up operations are underway to pursue remaining al-Shabab elements and to help ensure security, stability and the safety of civilians.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, has sought to topple Somalia's central government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law since 2007.
According to the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), al-Shabab remains one of the most dangerous al-Qaeda-affiliated organisations globally and controls significant territory in southern and central Somalia. Between January and July 2025, nearly 60,000 people were displaced by fighting in the Middle Shabelle region.
Over the years the group has also claimed responsibility for attacks in neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Djibouti.
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