Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants neutralized in Jubaland state

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has neutralized at least 19 Al-Shabaab militants in Jubaland state, the Ministry of Defence announced, adding that nine others were arrested and are currently undergoing interrogations in one of the military bases.

The militants were killed by the Danab commandos in Bar Sanguuni in Lower Jubba following the operation by the Somali National Army, who are taking over security reserves in different parts of the country. Jubaland has been witnessing Al-Shabab raids for some time.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the military also managed to confiscate several sophisticated weapons which the militants use to wreak havoc on innocent civilians and members of security forces. The militants have lost significant ground since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud activated operations against the group.

"SNA Danab forces conducted on Saturday a successful operation in Bar Sanguuni, Lower Juba, neutralising 19 and capturing 9 Al-Shabaab militants," the Ministry of Defence reported in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the operation was still on.

"The operation, which disrupted enemy supply lines, also resulted in the confiscation of weapons and removal of mines, advancing the ongoing battle against terrorism," added the ministry, which has been coordinating operations.

The al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but a multinational military team has managed to put them at bay. The militants still control large swathes of rural central and southern regions.

Somalia has declared total war against al-Shabaab, with the first phase leaving over 3,000 militants dead in Hirshabelle and Galgaduud regions. The second phase of operations against the group is due to start in Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE