Dhoobley, Lower Juba, Somalia – Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the entity responsible for the operation targeting Al-Shabaab members in the Lafo-gari area of Dhoobley district, Lower Juba region.

Jubaland TV reported that the Jubaland forces carried out a planned operation in the area, capturing Macallin Mohamed, who was allegedly a leader of an Al-Shabaab court established in the village.

“A planned operation conducted by Jubaland forces in Lafo-gari, a village under Dhoobley district, led to the capture of the terrorist Macallin Mohamed, who was the head of a fake court established by the militants in the area,” stated a report from Jubaland TV.

On the other hand, the Somali government claimed that the operation was a joint effort between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland forces.

“The Somali National Army, in collaboration with Jubaland forces, carried out a planned operation in Lafo-gari, capturing the terrorist Macallin Mohamed, who was the leader of a fake court set up by the Khawarij in the area,” stated an official report from SNA Radio.

Both sides—Jubaland and the federal government—also reported that four Al-Shabaab members who were hiding in the area were killed during the operation.

The dispute over who led the operation comes amid an ongoing power struggle between Jubaland and the federal government, which has occasionally led to armed confrontations in Jubaland-controlled areas. This latest development appears to go beyond political disagreements, as both parties are actively involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab.