U.S. drones conduct airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions near Kismayo.
U.S. drone strikes followed by a joint ground operation involving Danab Special Forces and Jubaland Darawiish targeted Al-Shabaab militants on the outskirts of Kismayo, as part of intensified counterterrorism efforts supported by AFRICOM.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) operated by the United States have carried out airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions on the outskirts of Kismayo, in the Lower Juba region, which also serves as the interim capital of the Jubaland State.
According to security sources familiar with the operation, the airstrikes were followed by a ground operation conducted jointly by Danab Special Forces, trained by the United States, and Jubaland Darawiish forces. The coordinated operation aimed to pursue and neutralize Al-Shabaab elements believed to be present in the targeted area.
Senior officers from the Somali National Army, particularly within the Danab commandos, stated that the objective of the operation was to target Al-Shabaab fighters operating near Kismayo, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
The United States routinely provides updates on the outcomes of its military operations in southern, central, and northern Somalia. Recently, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that it has increased operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS-linked elements, in coordination with Somali security forces.
The operation comes amid intensified efforts by Somalia and its international partners to weaken militant networks and improve security across key regions of the country.
