Kismaayo (Raxanreeb Online) – Ethiopian warplanes conducted heavy airstrikes last night in Jilib, a key town in the Middle Juba region, reportedly targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds.

While the Somali federal government has not issued an official statement, military officials from the Somali National Army (SNA) confirmed that the strikes were part of a coordinated operation aimed at designated locations within the town.

Due to the militant group’s stronghold in the area, obtaining detailed information on casualties and damages remains challenging. However, images circulating on social media show multiple locations engulfed in flames, allegedly depicting the Quduurta and Hilibka markets in Jilib.

In addition to Jilib, heavy airstrikes were reported in various areas across Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Middle Juba over the past several hours. The scale of the operations suggests an intensified effort to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region.