135 Al-Shabaab terrorists killed in Somalia, more captured alive

Three synchronised Al-Shabaab attacks early this morning in key towns of Jubaland State in Somalia resulted in significant losses for the terrorists, including the deaths of 135 fighters, according to a government statement.

80 more militiamen were wounded, a large cache of arms was seized, and several fighters were captured alive.

The militants are said to have attacked Jubaland forces and Somalia National Army (SNA) forces based in Buulo Haji, Harboole, and Biibi towns in the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia this morning in droves.

They used vehicle-born explosives, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy machine guns in the attempt to seize some of these key towns that were liberated from Al-Shabaab less than two weeks ago.

Al-Shabaab recently resorted to attacking bases and towns early in the morning, when many people and forces are asleep. However, this time, the security forces were fully alert and prepared.

Jubaland Forces patrol Buulo Haji town, after repelling an Al-Shabaab attack on Monday, July 22, 2024 (Photo: Jubaland TV)

The Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency issued a statement today confirming that 135 Al-Shabaab fighters, including commanders, were killed in a counter-offensive operation this morning after a botched attack in the three towns under government control.

However, another statement issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism in Mogadishu said more than 80 Al-Shabaab were killed.

“More than 135 Al-Shabaab fighters and commanders have been neutralised in counter-defensive operations by Jubaland State forces and the Somalia National Army in Buulo Haji, Harboole, and Biibi, located in the Lower Juba region,” the statement reads.

The statement said the government forces are now mopping up and cleaning the attacked locations to rid them of any remaining militants, as the operations against Al-Shabaab continue.

“Jubaland Forces are currently busy collecting the dead bodies of the terrorists lying all over the locations where the fighting took place, and some are hot on the heels of a few other terrorists on the run,” the statement added.

Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Madoobe, while congratulating the forces for defeating the enemy, urged the public to unite against Al-Shabaab to defeat them. Meanwhile, Somalia Minister of Interior Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail, also known as Fartaag, hailed the Jubaland Forces and SNA forces for their huge victory against the enemy, Al-Shabaab, terming it the beginning of the end of the terrorists in Somalia.

Jubaland Forces patrol Lower Juba, after countering an Al-Shabaab attack on Monday, July 22, 2024 (Photo: Jubaland TV)

“The lessons taught to Al-Shabaab today in Buulo Haji and Harboole is a confirmation of the start of dark days for Al-Shabaab. Their loss today is a testament to the increasing strength of the Somalia forces,” the Minister said.

In the coastal town of Kismayo, the seat of Jubaland State, locals welcomed the victory against Al-Shabaab, saying the terrorists have made life unbearable for them. Jubaland State is made up of three regions Lower Juba, Gedo, and the Al-Shabaab-controlled Middle Juba, where its headquarters, Jilib is also located.

“This time around, when Al-Shabaab came, they found the government forces waiting for them, having received credible intelligence information about the attack. Al-Shabaab lost many fighters in the deadly morning raid. This is a huge victory for the people and government, and we are happy because Al-Shabaab has become a thorn in our flesh. We want them to be wiped out,” Abdi Shafat, told the Eastleigh Voice by phone from Kismayo.

Al-Shabaab released its own statement, claiming that they killed 71 soldiers in the three attacks. However, locals and officials refuted the claim as propaganda meant to mask their big loss. A video circulating on social media shared by the government forces in Jubaland shows many dead Al-Shabaab fighters wearing combat uniforms. 

Jubaland Forces assess Lower Juba , after defeating Al-Shabaab terrorists on Monday, July 22, 2024 (Photo: Jubaland TV)