Al-Shabaab militias were on Wednesday, July 12, killed in a joint operation by the US Commandos, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Security Forces in Jubaland, Somalia.
Local Somali media reported that 17 militants were eliminated in the operation conducted in Weelmarow Village in lower Jubba, an area considered Al-Shabaab's main hideout.
Reports further indicated that the multi-agency operation made a significant breakthrough in the well-choreographed operation as valuable intelligence was retrieved from phones confiscated from the militia members.
"Over 17 Al-Shabaab members were killed in a planned operation near Weelmaro village on Wednesday evening.
"The operation was carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) Force commandos, Danab, in conjunction with Jubaland regional forces," SNA Radio, a Somali Army-owned Radio Station, reported.
Authorities in Somalia indicated that a majority of the neutralised Al-Shabaab militants were Kenyan and Ethiopian natives hired to carry out attacks within their country and East Africa at large.
The operation was conducted a day after another covert mission led by the US Africa Command on Tuesday, July 11, where over 50 Al-Shabaab militants lost their lives.
On Sunday, July 9, the United States special forces also successfully led a joint operation that took out 10 Al-Shabaab terrorists, including three Kenyans.
Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale confirmed that three self-defence airstrikes were conducted in Afmadow, Somalia.
“Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 10 Al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians fatalities were recorded,” he stated.
In the operation, an Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory and a Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) were captured.
Kenya recently postponed reopening its border with Somalia after an influx of terror attacks. In June 2023, Lamu, Garissa, Madera and Wajir counties were targeted, with suspected terrorists killing over 20 people.
Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki stated that the delay would allow the government to facilitate a comprehensive and conclusive operation to counter the attacks.
