By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, July 8, 2026 – Somalia's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that government forces killed 16 Al Shabaab fighters, including two senior leaders, and captured two others during a military operation in Lower Juba.
The ministry said the dawn raid was carried out by the Somali National Army's elite Danab Special Forces in coordination with Jubbaland security forces in the Baqdaad area near the town of Badhaadhe, targeting positions held by the Islamist militant group.
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According to the ministry, the operation resulted in the deaths of two senior Al Shabaab leaders and 14 other fighters. Two militants two were captured alive. Security forces also seized weapons and military equipment allegedly used by the group.
The operation is part of ongoing military offensives by Somali government forces, supported by regional and international partners, aimed at weakening Al Shabaab's presence in southern and central Somalia.