KISMAYO, Somalia – Intense fighting broke out on the outskirts of Kismayo, the capital of Somalia’s Lower Juba region after Al-Shabaab militants launched an assault on the strategic town of Bulo-Haji, about 80 kilometers from Kismayo.
According to reports, the attack aimed at capturing the area was repelled by Jubaland forces, though both sides have presented conflicting narratives of the battle’s outcome.
Al-Shabaab claimed in a statement to have seized control of Bulo-Haji, alleging to have inflicted significant casualties on the regional forces. However, Colonel Mohamed Farah Dahir, the spokesperson for the Jubaland army, vehemently denied these claims. He stated, “Al-Shabaab did not capture Bulo-Haji. On the contrary, they were defeated, suffering considerable losses in terms of both fatalities and injuries.”
Local security officials confirmed that while the initial assault by Al-Shabaab was fierce, the Jubaland Dervishes, with support from Somalia’s elite Danab commandos, managed to foil the attack, maintaining control over the area. The officials further noted that post the conflict, the situation has stabilized, with ongoing operations to secure Bulo-Haji and its surroundings.
This battle underscores the ongoing struggle between the Jubaland administration and Al-Shabaab, with each side striving to assert dominance in the region, crucial for both strategic and symbolic reasons due to its proximity to Kismayo—a key economic hub and former stronghold of the militants.
The Jubaland forces’ claim of victory, if confirmed, could represent a significant setback for Al-Shabaab, potentially weakening their operations in the Lower Juba region. This incident also highlights the persistent security challenges in Somalia, where regional forces, often supported by national and international efforts, continue to combat insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab, aiming to restore lasting peace and governance across the country.
HORN LIFE
