The Somali Military in close collaboration with Jubaland Dervish forces are battling the Al-Qaeda linked terrorist group of Al-Shabab in several areas in the Lower Jubba region. For the last few days, the fighting has been going on continuously in the areas along the settlements of Biibi, Qumbi, Miido, Harboole, Weel-Maarow and Dhasheeg-Maarow, which fall under the jurisdiction of Afmadow district. Jubaland Army Spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel, Mohamed Farah Dahir, said Wednesday that the troops are carrying out a cleaning operation in areas between Afmadow District and Janay Abdalla settlement. He said, “The maximum pressure is now in Janay Abdalla, which is a distance of 60 km square. So the operation is like that.” The Spokesman went on to say that the intensity of the operation is underway in Dhasheeg-Maarow settlement, which is the center of the operation. The operation is jointly conducted by Danab Commandos, 11th Brigade, 43rd Division of the Somali National Army, along with Jubaland Dervish forces. Jubaland Army Spokesman further disclosed that international partners are assisting the Somali National Army by carrying out airstrikes. He stated, “International Partners are part of the fighting, and are conducting airstrikes. The number of casualties that we can share with the media is that they have fled at least 10 bodies. They also transported many injured fighters and bodies, according to the local people. The operation is still underway and has not yet been completed.” Jubaland Army Spokesman has stated that there are no casualties inflicted on the Somali National Army as far as the battle is concerned. Dhasheeg-Maarow is situated in a strategic area, which is partly forested grassland, and lies in between Afmadow and Kismayo. Conversely, it is a settlement that lies on the highway that connects Kismayo and Jilib. Dhasheeg Maarow collects large amounts of water during the rainy season, forming large ponds that naturally store rainwater. If the army takes control of this area, it means that one of the defense walls of Al-Shabab in Jilib district in Lower Jubba region, has been broken. Jilib is Al-Shabab’s major stronghold, which they heavily protect.
