Media sources associated with the militant group al-Shabaab have reported heavy airstrikes conducted by the Kenyan Air Force in Sakow (Middle Juba Region) and Salagle (Lower Juba Region). These regions, situated within Jubaland, allegedly underwent an intense air raid that spanned two consecutive nights.
In contrast, the Federal Government of Somalia acknowledged the presence of military operations in the area, attributing it to the Somali National Army (SNA) with the backing of ‘international friends.’ Historically, this term has been used to signify the involvement of US Air Force or other international allies in carrying out airstrikes. The Ministry of Information revealed in a press release, “Around 6:15 pm, SNA, with the help of international friends, carried out a planned operation targeting a group of al-Shabaab located 14 km from Jamame district.”
While these claims by both al-Shabaab and the Federal Government of Somalia could not be independently verified by The Somali Digest, local sources have confirmed the occurrence of an airstrike in the Jamame area of the Lower Juba Region in Jubaland. The full extent of the damage, as well as the potential impact on civilian lives, remains unclear at this time.
