Friday July 12, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — A fierce battle broke on Thursday evening in Qaamqaam, near the southern port city of Kismayo, between the government and Jubbaland forces and Al-Shabaab fighters. The clash, which lasted nearly an hour, resulted in casualties, though the exact numbers remain unconfirmed.
Al-Shabaab members launched a heavy attack on the Qaamqaam base, prompting a violent response from the government and Jubbaland forces. Both sides used various types of weaponry during the confrontation.
Local sources reported deaths and injuries on both sides but could not provide specific figures. Jubbaland officials stated they successfully repelled the attack and inflicted significant damage on the attackers.
This clash occurred amid ongoing operations by the government and Jubbaland forces against Al-Shabaab in the region. These joint forces have recently captured several areas between Kismayo and Afmadow.
The Somali government and Jubbaland forces have intensified their military campaign against Al-Shabaab this week, aiming to dismantle the group's stronghold in southern Somalia. On Monday, Somali government and Jubbaland forces seized key areas from Al-Shabaab in Lower Juba, marking a significant advancement in their ongoing offensive.
In a separate operation, Somali government and local forces recaptured Al-Shabaab strongholds in Hiiraan on Tuesday, further pressuring the militant extremist group that has been responsible for numerous attacks and instabilities in the region.