JAMAAME, SOMALIA – Jubbaland regional forces, together with Somali National Army elite Danab Commandos, carried out a planned security operation in Jamaame district last night targeting senior members of the al-Shabaab militant group, regional authorities said.

According to officials in Jubbaland, the forces killed a prominent al-Shabaab commander in the area, identified as Faarax Jibriil, along with seven other militants. The group had for a long time been accused of intimidation, violence and sustained pressure against the local population.

Commanders who led the operation confirmed that the mission was successfully completed and said it forms part of a wider security strategy aimed at restoring and consolidating stability in Jamaame, its surrounding areas and the wider Jubbaland administration.

Authorities added that further planned operations are under way to strengthen peace and security for civilians by targeting all locations where al-Shabaab fighters are believed to be hiding or operating.