SNA and Jubbaland Forces Launch Large-Scale Offensive; Airstrikes Hit Al-Shabaab in Juba Regions With International Support

The Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubbaland regional forces launched a major offensive against Al-Shabaab in the Juba regions on April 15, 2026, coordinating simultaneous airstrikes and ground operations. Somalia's Defense Ministry announced the strikes had targeted Al-Shabaab positions with 'international support' — language consistent with AFRICOM-enabled air operations that have characterized Somalia's 2026 campaign, which is on pace to exceed 200 airstrikes annually (approximately 50 were confirmed in Q1 alone, according to Stars and Stripes). FTL Somalia reported the SNA and Jubbaland forces 'dealt a blow to Al-Shabaab in the Juba Regions Offensive,' with fighting centered in Middle and Lower Jubba regions — Al-Shabaab's stronghold territory encompassing Jilib and Bu'aale. Anadolu Agency confirmed the airstrikes killed Al-Shabaab fighters in the Juba region. The offensive is notable for its coordination between the SNA and Jubbaland forces despite the broader constitutional dispute between the Federal Government and Jubbaland State (a member of the opposition Council for the Future of Somalia). This suggests counterterrorism cooperation has remained insulated from the political crisis, at least at the operational level.