The Somali army kills 130 militants in Lower Juba

In a devastating blow to armed groups, units of the Somali army announced a major military victory, which resulted in the elimination of more than 130 militants, during a qualitative military operation that lasted for more than 24 continuous hours in the city of Kuda and the surrounding areas in the Lower Juba region in the south of the country.

An official statement issued by the Somali military authorities, as reported by the National News Agency, stated that the armed forces carried out intensive and precise combing and attack operations, which resulted not only in this large number of deaths among the terrorist elements, but also in the injury of other numbers, and the escape of the remaining ones, leaving behind an arsenal of combat equipment and weapons that were completely seized by the army.

Operation details and field control

The Somali Ministry of Defense confirmed that the strategic city of Quda and its surrounding area are now under the complete control of the Somali National Army. The ministry stated that forces remain on high alert to clear any remaining pockets of resistance, ensure the safety of civilians, and prevent any retaliatory attacks or future threats that could jeopardize the region's stability. This operation is part of a broader military strategy aimed at eliminating the sources of terrorism in the southern regions.

Conflict context and strategic importance

This operation is particularly important given the geographical location of Lower Juba, a region that has long been a battleground for hit-and-run operations between government forces and armed groups linked to global terrorist organizations such as al-Shabaab. These areas have complex terrain that armed groups have exploited as strongholds for hiding and planning attacks against government forces and civilians.

Somalia has been waging an open war for years against these groups, which seek to destabilize the Horn of Africa. Recently, the Somali government, with the support of local clans and international partners, has intensified its military operations in what the Somali president has described as a “total war” against terrorism, achieving significant territorial gains by recapturing large swathes of land in the central and southern parts of the country.

Expected impact on regional stability

Observers believe that the Somali army's success in eliminating such a large number of militants in a single operation reflects the improved combat and intelligence capabilities of the national forces. This victory is expected to contribute to strengthening security in the southern regions, paving the way for the return of essential services and reconstruction in liberated areas, as well as sending a strong message about the state's determination to extend its sovereignty over all national territory and achieve lasting stability and security.