Heavy losses were reportedly inflicted on al-Shabaab militants during an operation carried out by the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces with potential US airstrike support on 9 July, 2024, in Kismaayo, Lower Juba.

Caasimada Online, admitting “conflicting reports”, reported that an operation was carried out by the “the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces”, specifying that units involved were the “specially trained Danab forces and the Jubaland Darawiish”. An official leading the operation was also quoted as saying that “A significant blow was dealt to the terrorist militants, including high-ranking leaders. Additionally, heavy airstrikes increased their casualties.” The al-Shabaab deputy leader in charge of Lower Juba was also reportedly killed. As neither the Somali National Army nor the Jubaland forces have airstrike capabilities, this indicates that the airstrikes were carried out by an unidentified military.

The Facebook account for Jubbaland TV alleged that “senior leaders” were killed. Government officials referenced by Caasimada Online further announced that they had “captured other members of the group alive”. Caasimada Online, however, noted that there had been “no statement from al-Shabaab regarding this operation” and that the situation was “very tense”.

Fenix Insight, quoting ACLED, reported that an “unidentified aircraft” was responsible for the strike on “al-Shabaab positions in Yaaq Dabeul village”, and alleged this signalled “likely US forces, due to their active involvement conducting airstrikes in Somalia”. Fenix Insight further alleged there were “no casualties,” though it is unclear whether this is in reference to civilians, or whether no militants were actually killed. As US involvement has not been alleged by a local source but is rather mentioned as a possibility, “international partners” has been identified as the potential airstrike belligerent and will be updated should further information come to light.

Xafiiska Wararka Dayniile also reported that al-Shabaab militants were killed and weapons recovered and that the strike constituted a “heavy defeat” for the group.