A Somali special forces military action backed by “international partners” killed 35 al Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Lafta Anole neighborhood in Lower Juba, according to local and international media reports.

Xinhua carried the most detailed report: “Hassan Mohamad Aden, commander of the Danab Forces in Jubbaland State, said a joint operation was conducted by Somali army and international partners in Lafta Anole neighborhood in Lower Juba. ‘Following a tip of from the residents, our forces launched an attack in the area killing 35 al-Shabab militants including senior members,’ Aden said.

“Residents told Xinhua there was heavy gunfire that caused panic in the area. ‘Al-Shabab extremists in the village were attacked by government forces,’ said Safi Bilan, a resident. ‘There was also airstrike which caused many casualties.'”

Citing a Somali military official, Garowe said that US troops had participated in the attack: “Tuesday’s operation was also backed by international partners among them the elite US troops, who have been active in the fight against Al-Shabaab, the official said.”