In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 14, 2026.This airstrike occurred in the vicinity of southern Somalia, approximately 145 km southwest of Kismayo.AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad.Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine Jubaland security forces say they have killed more than 60 al-Shabab fighters, including senior members, during a four-day military operation in the Lagta Hola–Wajeer area of Badhaadhe district in Lower Juba. According to the Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency, the operation focused on militant hideouts in the “Black Sea” forest, a heavily wooded area that has long been used by al-Shabab as a base for planning and launching attacks in the region. Officials described the area as one of the group’s key strongholds in Lower Juba. The offensive was led by Jubaland’s security director, Mohamed Ahmed Sabriye, also known as “Basaam.” Regional authorities said the operation received air support from international partners, which helped security forces strike key militant positions more effectively. Security officials reported that the bodies of 60 fighters were recovered from the operation sites. They also said a large amount of weapons and equipment was seized. The recovered items included land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), communication devices, and other military supplies believed to have been used to carry out attacks. State media outlet Jubaland TV reported that several al-Shabab facilities were destroyed during the offensive. These included logistics centers, weapons storage sites, bomb-making locations, and communication hubs. Authorities believe these sites played a major role in coordinating attacks against civilians and security forces in the region. Officials added that some of the targeted facilities were linked to recent attacks, including an assault in the Kudhaa area. They said dismantling these bases would significantly weaken the group’s ability to organize and launch future operations in Lower Juba. Al-Shabaab, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has been fighting Somalia’s federal government for more than 15 years. The group continues to carry out bombings, ambushes, and other attacks, particularly in southern and central parts of the country. Although Somali forces and their allies have regained territory in recent years, al-Shabab still controls or influences some rural areas. Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the President of Jubaland, praised the security forces for what he described as a major success. Speaking from Mogadishu, where he is holding political consultations, Madobe commended the troops for delivering a strong blow to the militant group. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing operations until al-Shabab is fully removed from Lower Juba. Regional authorities say the latest operation is part of ongoing efforts to improve security and protect civilians in Jubaland. They emphasized that clearing militant bases from forested and rural areas remains a top priority, as such locations have often been used to hide weapons, train fighters, and plan attacks. While officials described the operation as a significant victory, they acknowledged that the fight against al-Shabab is ongoing. Security forces are expected to continue targeted offensives in areas believed to host remaining militants. The developments highlight the continued collaboration between local security forces and international partners in the broader campaign to stabilize Somalia and reduce the threat posed by extremist groups.

February 15, 2026GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Jubbaland regional authorities have said their security forces carried out a planned operation in southern Lower Juba, seizing a site used to prepare improvised explosive devices.The operation took place in the Badda-madaw area, between the town of Badhaadhe and the border locality of Ras Kamboni, officials said.Commanders leading the mission said Jubbaland’s intelligence and Darawish forces took full control of a facility allegedly used by militants to manufacture and assemble explosive devices.Security officials said troops recovered 90 ready-to-use landmines from a single location, which they said were intended to target civilians and security forces using roads in the region.Authorities described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt militant networks and improve security in Lower Juba.

Monday February 16, 2026 Kismayo (HOL) — Jubaland security forces killed more than 60 al-Shabab fighters, including senior operatives, during a four-day operation in the Lagta Hola–Wajeer area of Badhaadhe district in Lower Juba, officials said Sunday. The Jubaland Intelligence and Security Agency said the offensive targeted militant positions in the “Black Sea” forested zone, long considered a stronghold and staging ground for attacks in the region. The operation was led by Jubaland’s security director, Mohamed Ahmed Sabriye, known as “Basaam,” and was conducted with air support from international partners, according to regional officials. Security authorities said forces recovered the bodies of 60 fighters and seized a cache of weapons and equipment, including land mines, improvised explosive devices, communications gear and other military supplies. Jubaland TV reported that several al-Shabab facilities were destroyed during the operation, including logistics hubs, weapons depots, bomb-making sites and communications centers. Officials said the targeted sites had been used to coordinate attacks against civilians and security installations, including a recent assault in Kudhaa. Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, who is currently in Mogadishu for political consultations, praised the regional forces for what he described as a decisive blow against the militant group. He pledged that operations would continue until al-Shabab is removed from Lower Juba. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-affiliated group, has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than 15 years and maintains pockets of influence in parts of southern Somalia, including rural areas of Lower Juba.

The National Army’s commandos #DANAB and Jubbaland regional troops seized an Al-Shabaab terrorist bomb-making factory during an operation in the Lower Juba region.

UPDATE: Jubaland security forces say they killed more than 60 #AlShabab fighters in a four-day operation in the Lower Jubba region, destroying weapons depots, bomb-making sites, and militant camps used to carry out attacks in southern #Somalia and neighboring #Kenya. In a statement shared on Sunday, @JSStatehouse's Intelligence and Security Agency (JISA) added that the offensive near Lagta Hola-Wajeer in Badhaadhe district was supported by international air assistance and led to the seizure of over 100 explosive devices and other military equipment.