In a significant military success, units of the Somali National Army announced they had eliminated more than 130 militants belonging to the extremist group al-Shabaab during a precise and extensive military operation that lasted over 24 hours in the coastal city of Kuda, Lower Juba region, in southern Somalia. This operation is considered one of the biggest blows the group has suffered recently, reflecting the improved combat capabilities of the Somali army.
Background of the ongoing conflict against terrorism
This operation comes within the context of the all-out war declared by the Somali Federal Government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group seeking to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law and overthrow the internationally recognized government. For decades, Somalia has suffered the ravages of civil war and extremism, with al-Shabaab exploiting the instability to seize control of vast swathes of the south and center of the country. Despite being driven out of the capital, Mogadishu, and other major cities by the Somali army and the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM, now AMISOM), the group continues to pose a significant security threat by launching terrorist attacks and targeting civilians and government officials.
The importance of the process and its strategic impact
Controlling the town of Kudu and eliminating this large number of militants is of paramount strategic importance. The Lower Juba region, with its coastal location and proximity to the Kenyan border, is a vital area used by al-Shabaab to smuggle weapons, train its fighters, and finance its operations. Therefore, securing this region will help cut off the group's supply lines and isolate it geographically.
Domestically, these victories bolster public confidence in the armed forces and encourage local clans to cooperate with the government in combating terrorism. Regionally, weakening al-Shabaab reduces the risk of its operations spreading to neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, thus enhancing the security and stability of the entire Horn of Africa. Internationally, these successes are seen as a positive indicator of the Somali army's ability to assume full security responsibilities, a crucial development as the planned gradual withdrawal of the UNAMID forces from the country approaches.
Official confirmations and continued operations
According to an official statement carried by the Somali National News Agency, the operation not only resulted in the deaths of the militants but also the wounding of several others and the seizure of quantities of military equipment and weapons they left behind as they fled. The statement confirmed that the city of Kudu and its surrounding area are now under the complete control of the army, with forces remaining on high alert to secure the region and protect civilians. For its part, the Somali Ministry of Defense reiterated that military operations will continue relentlessly throughout the country until every inch of Somali territory is liberated from the grip of terrorists and lasting security and stability are achieved.
