On Tuesday, the Somali government officially announced the elimination of numerous Al-Shabaab extremist militants.

Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al Adala informed the Somali news agency, SONNA, that “over 50 members of Al-Shabaab were killed in a military operation in the lower Juba region.”

Additionally, he mentioned that 20 individuals were apprehended alive during the fourth day of offensive operations in Muse-Haji, Malaylay, Turdho, Baxar-saafka, and other areas in the lower Juba region.

The army has been conducting military operations in these villages and areas since Saturday, resulting in the elimination and capture of numerous members and leaders of the movement.

The Somali government, supported by the Somali National Army and Jubaland State forces, has intensified its offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in the forests of the lower Juba region for the fourth consecutive day.

This acceleration in operations comes after more than a decade of fighting against Al-Shabaab. In recent months, government forces have made significant gains in their conflict with the group, particularly in central Somalia.

According to SONNA, on Monday, 30 militant members of Al-Shabaab were killed in the Jamaame area in lower Juba and along the river.

Additionally, the army apprehended 10 individuals involved in public disruptions in the Bar Sanguuni area. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a “total war” on the thousands of Al-Shabaab extremists who have controlled parts of the country and conducted devastating attacks.

Somalia has recently experienced an increase in deadly attacks by militants targeting both military and civilian establishments.

The African Union force is scheduled to withdraw from the country and transfer security responsibilities to Somalia by the end of 2024.

In a development last month, the United States and Somalia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of up to five military bases to support the Somali army’s Danab Brigade.

On Tuesday, Somali Interior Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi engaged in discussions in Mogadishu with high-level delegations from India, led by Sureh Kumara, a senior officer at the Foreign Ministry.

The talks encompassed various subjects, including bilateral cooperation and the advancements made by the Somag Ili government in security and development initiatives.