Somali Forces Eliminate 14 Al-Shabaab Militants in Lower Juba Amid US Airstrikes Against ISIS and Al-Shabaab

SOMALIA - On February 10, Somali Danab Special Forces, in coordination with Jubaland State security forces, conducted a targeted operation against Al-Shabaab militants in areas around Jamaame in Lower Juba region.

This military action resulted in 14 militants killed, one injured, and the rest fleeing, according to the Somalian Ministry of Defense, as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in southern Somalia.

US Africa Command supported Somali partners with airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia early in February, including operations on February 3 and February 1 in the Golis Mountains near Bossaso, aimed at degrading militant capabilities threatening regional and international security.

Al-Shabaab Controls Rural South, ISIS-Somalia Operates In The Northeast:

These coordinated actions highlight sustained pressure on extremist groups in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab controls rural areas in the south and ISIS-Somalia operates in the northeast.

The February 10 ground raid follows a series of US airstrikes in January against Al-Shabaab, reflecting a pattern of joint operations to secure key regions.

Timeline Analysis

Military operations in Somalia over the last few years have focused on countering Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia through ground raids and airstrikes. The strikes began this year with US military actions in January, transitioning to February strikes and the recent Somali-led operation.

• On February 10, Somali Danab forces and Jubaland security executed a raid near Jamaame, eliminating 14 Al-Shabaab militants per the Ministry of Defence.

• On February 3, US Africa Command conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains, 41 km southeast of Bossaso.

• On February 1, a similar US airstrike targeted ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains, 40 km southeast of Bossaso.

• In January, US forces carried out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab on January 29, 56 km southwest of Mogadishu; January 27; January 25-26 near Godane; January 21-22 near Koday; and January 8.​

Official Statements

• “Danab Special Forces, alongside Jubaland security forces, carried out a planned operation against Al-Shabaab in areas around Jamaame, Lower Juba. 14 militants were eliminated, one injured, and the rest fled.” (MoD Somalia, February 10, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 3, 2026. This airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 41 km southeast of Bossaso.” (U.S. Africa Command, February 9, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 40 km southeast of Bossaso.” (U.S. Africa Command, February 3, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 21-22, 2026. The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of Koday, approximately 100 km southwest of Kismayo.” (U.S. Africa Command, February 4, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 25-26, 2026.” (U.S. Africa Command, January 26, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants on Jan. 27, 2026.” (U.S. Africa Command, January 27, 2026)

• “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Jan. 8, 2026.” (U.S. Africa Command, January 10, 2026)