Reports from Kudhaa in the Lower Jubba region indicate that there is currently a tense situation in the settlement, which is under the administration of the Badhaadhe district. Jubaland security forces, along with the Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army (SNA), have surrounded Al-Shabab fighters who successfully took over Kudhaa after engaging in skirmishes with the Jubaland security forces. According to sources, the two sides engaged in multiple skirmishes last night, with Al-Shabab launching the initial attacks. It is reported that the group attempted to reopen a road in order to retreat from the settlement, but were met with resistance. Yesterday, drones belonging to international partners, including Kenya, conducted airstrikes targeting the group’s fighters. Reports also indicate that US drones are still carrying out airstrikes in support of the ongoing ground offensives in the settlement. The Danab Special Elite Forces are directing these airstrikes against Al-Shabab fighters in Kudhaa. Jubaland officers, who are leading the anti-Al-Shabab operations from the outskirts of Kudhaa, have stated that their goal is to eliminate the group’s presence in the settlement. Local residents who have fled in fear of Al-Shabab’s retaliation have reported that the group has a significant number of combat vehicles in the settlement. Further reports from Kudhaa confirm that heavy fighting has broken out between Al-Shabab and Jubaland Dervish forces. The two sides are engaged in intense skirmishes and are using heavy weapons, with the blasts being heard in areas far from the settlement. Jubaland Dervish forces have launched attacks from multiple directions, targeting Al-Shabab fighters. There have been numerous casualties, including deaths and injuries, on both sides, although the exact number is unknown. Jubaland authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding the intense clashes between Al-Shabab and their security forces in Kudhaa settlement.
