Somalia: Jubaland Forces Close In on Jamaame as 16-Year Al-Shabaab Grip Begins to Crumble  

JAMAME, Somalia - The Jubaland regional forces, with assistance from the Somali National Army (SNA), have made strategic advances in areas outside Kismayo city, narrowing down Al-Shabaab's realistic chances in their previously dominated areas.

According to reports, the teams have made major advances towards Jamame town, a stronghold of the Al-Shabaab in the Lower Jubba region, where the militants plan and coordinate attacks against innocent civilians and security forces in Somalia.

Security sources say that over the past days, Jubaland and SNA Danab forces liberated villages around Jamaame—Araare, Muusa Xaaji, Koban, and Bangeeni—setting up safe humanitarian routes and deploying police and humanitarian teams to protect civilians.

With air support from international partners, forces have seized the Koban Valley, just 45 km from Al-Shabaab’s key stronghold. Officials say these advances weaken militant defenses, protect civilians, and pave the way to restore stability across southern Somalia.

The al-Shabaab has for years used Jilib as its main base, with the international partners and local forces struggling to displace the group. The US Africa Command has been instrumental in waging airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab in southern regions.

A few days ago, the military waged an operation within southern Somalia. Almost threatening Al-Shabaab's dominance at Jamaame, which was on the verge of being liberated from the rule of the Islamist fundamentalist fighters.

Jubaland and SNA Danab forces were poised to capture Jamaame, ending 16 years of Al-Shabaab control. The advance marks a major milestone in the ongoing campaign to restore stability and security in southern Somalia.

Residents confirmed to the media that Al-Shabaab fighters have withdrawn toward Jilib, leaving the town largely under Jubaland government influence. Jilib has been the major target for security forces in the Horn of Africa nation.

GAROWE ONLINE