Reports from the Lower Jubba region have confirmed that on Wednesday, the militant group Al-Shabab captured a military base belonging to Jubaland’s security forces in the settlement of Kudhaa. According to reports, Al-Shabab launched an attack from two directions, resulting in a loud explosion being heard in the settlement. It has been reported that the Jubaland security forces have vacated the military base, but it is unclear where they have gone. Local residents have confirmed that Al-Shabab now has full control of the military base and the settlement. Sources have also stated that some residents are fleeing the area due to fear of retaliation from Al-Shabab. In a statement, Al-Shabab claimed that their fighters have defeated the Jubaland security forces who were stationed in Kudhaa. The statement also mentioned casualties, including deaths and injuries, among the Jubaland security forces. Al-Shabab also reported capturing prisoners and seizing a cache of military weapons. However, there has been no statement from Jubaland authorities regarding the attack on Kudhaa, which is a coastal island under the administration of Badhaadhe district. Previously, the Kenyan Defense Forces were stationed in Kudhaa as part of the African Peacekeeping troops for over ten years. However, they relocated from the base in October 2024 as part of a plan to reduce the number of African troops in Somalia. Since then, Jubaland security forces have taken over the responsibility of maintaining security in the area. They have successfully repulsed several attacks and raids by Al-Shabab on the base. Jubaland security forces have also set up bases both inside and outside of Kudhaa, but Al-Shabab has managed to overrun and take control of them. It is worth noting that Al-Shabab previously took control of Kudhaa on November 8, 2014, but were later driven out on March 22, 2015. Since then, the Kenyan Defense Forces and Jubaland security forces have been responsible for the security of Kudhaa. This recent attack is the largest to have taken place in Kudhaa, which is a strategically important location. Al-Shabab’s capture of Kudhaa will be a significant setback to the ongoing anti-Al-Shabab operations, as Jubaland security forces had planned to liberate and take over the Jamame district in the Lower Jubba region. The militant group has been in control of Jamame district since 2008.
