Jubaland security forces have killed 250 Al-Shabaab militants in the Kudhaa area as operations continue to track down those who managed to escape. Officials said troops are determined to clear the remaining insurgents hiding in forests around the region.
In a statement on Friday, Jubaland Statehouse confirmed that the toll among militants is rising while authorities maintain tight control over captured fighters.
“According to the military officials, the enemy's losses are increasing, with the bodies of the dead and wounded who fled the Khawarij in the forested area of Kudhaa. The official losses reported by the military officials show that the total number of Khawarij deaths has reached 250, while 13 prisoners are in custody, most of whom are injured and have been captured in the forested area of Kudhaa to this day,” the statement said.
Al-Shabaab had launched an attack on Kudhaa Island in Lower Juba early Wednesday, but the offensive was repelled by Jubaland forces in coordination with the Somali National Army’s Danab units and international partners.
The joint operation successfully reclaimed the area, restoring full control to the Jubaland administration.
The statement added that troops are continuing to pursue fighters who fled into the forested parts of Badhaadhe district following their defeat.
“Jubaland government forces and Danab forces in the Jubaland sector are still fiercely pursuing the remnants of the Khawarij who fled from the Kudhaa area in the forested area of Badhaadhe district, after historic victories achieved by the Jubaland and Danab forces there, inflicting a heavy defeat on the enemy,” the statement added.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Defence and Somali National Army leadership reiterated that anti-terrorism operations will carry on until lasting peace, stability, and security are fully established across the country.
