Heavy fighting is ongoing between Jubbaland State’s Darawiish forces and Al-Shabaab militants in the outskirts of Jamaame district in the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia, following a major offensive launched by Jubbaland forces.

Both sides are reported to have suffered significant casualties, although no official figures have been confirmed. Sources on the ground say airstrikes are underway, reportedly conducted in coordination with the Somali National Army’s Danab special forces and the United States.

The Jubbaland administration had, in recent days, been mobilising troops for an operation targeting Al-Shabaab positions in the Lower Juba region, particularly in areas surrounding Jamaame district. The locations have recently been used by the group to plan and launch attacks against government and regional security forces.