Somalia: Over 40 al-Shabaab militants, including key leaders, were eliminated in a joint aerial and ground operation conducted by the elite Danab unit of the Somali National Army on Sunday, as announced by the country’s Information Ministry.

Supported by international security partners, the operation specifically targeted a gathering place utilized by the terrorist organization in the village of Welmaro.

Situated 40 kilometers (24 miles) away from the town of Afmadow in the Lower Jubba region of Jubaland, Welmaro was the focal point of the mission.

Joint operations kill six al-Shabab fighters

The ministry’s statement revealed that the operation consisted of three distinct waves involving airstrikes and a ground offensive.

During the operation, six al-Shabaab fighters were apprehended and taken into custody in Afmadow, according to General Ali Mohamud Badmadow, an army commander.

In a separate and successful operation, the Danab unit and the Jubbaland Dervishes, a local paramilitary force, targeted al-Shabaab in the town of Hagar, also located in Lower Jubba, as confirmed by the Defense Ministry.

However, the capital of Jubbaland, Bu’ale, still remains under the control of the terrorist group al-Shabaab.

After the operations, the Somali Defense Ministry took to Twitter to praise the courage and determination of their forces, stating, “Our forces moved further into the Afmadow district, diligently clearing mines set by enemies to ensure the safety of our people on the roads. They delivered a powerful blow to Al-Shabaab in #Jubaland. We salute their courage and resilience.”

Somalians finding it hard evict from longstanding crisis

Somalia has been grappling with persistent insecurity for years, primarily due to the activities of the al-Shabaab and ISIS/Daesh terrorist groups.

Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been engaged in conflict with the Somali government and the African Union mission in Somalia.

The joint operation conducted by the Danab unit and their partners represents a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Somalia, signaling a determination to restore peace and stability in the region.