AUSSOM forces deal major blow to Al-Shabaab with capture of Bariire

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Joint African Union and Somali government forces have seized Bariire town from Al-Shabaab in a sweeping offensive that commanders say marks a turning point in efforts to secure Somalia’s volatile Lower Shabelle region.

The operation, codenamed Operation Silent Storm, was executed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).

The coordinated ground assault drove militants from entrenched hideouts, tunnels, and defensive positions in Bariire, which has long been used as a strategic base for planning attacks, storing weapons, and staging illegal checkpoints.

According to AUSSOM, more than 100 militants were killed, over 50 injured, and several captured during the battle.

The joint forces also recovered a large cache of weaponry, including 30 submachine guns, six PKM machine guns, eight RPG launchers, eight sniper rifles, a 60mm mortar, mortar bombs, communication devices, and an Al-Shabaab flag.

Visiting the frontline on August 9, AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma praised the troops’ resilience and coordination.

“Today I have come to see, congratulate, and appreciate you for the work you have done since you came here, up to yesterday when you were able to dislodge Al-Shabaab from Bariire,” he told soldiers. “Once we cooperate and work together, Al-Shabaab will never defeat us.”

Kavuma, speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the victory as “a mission well done” but urged troops to stay alert, noting that “the struggle continues.”

SNAF’s Commander of Land Forces, Brig. Gen. Khalid Abdullahi, hailed the assault as “a great operation and work”, underscoring growing operational synergy between SNAF, AUSSOM, and allied forces.

Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga called it “another huge blow to Al-Shabaab and a major achievement for AUSSOM, SNAF, the Somali Government, and the locals,” praising the troops’ courage and discipline.

The battle was commanded on the ground by Col Kosia Kuteesa, leader of Battle Group XLII, who credited both AUSSOM and SNAF leadership for their guidance and operational backing. The liberation of Bariire follows earlier victories in Sabiid and Anole on June 21.

Security forces are now consolidating control, securing the area, and clearing remaining militant pockets.

(Courtesy)

UPDF contingent hailed

Meanwhile, AUSSOM’s new head, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, has lauded the UPDF’s contributions to Somalia’s peace efforts.

During his visit to Sector One, following an inaugural tour of the Kenyan-manned Sector Two in Kismayo, he described the Ugandan contingent as “highly motivated, well-led, and committed.”

“Sector One is a critical area, encompassing Mogadishu and all the surrounding regions,” Ambassador Diene said. “Adequate funding to ensure our troops are fully equipped is a top priority of the AUSSOM leadership.”

Diene also commended the troops for their role in retaking Bariire, calling it a “notable achievement in the joint fight against Al-Shabaab.” He was accompanied by the Deputy head of AUSSOM, Ambassador Mouktar Osman Karie and the Mission Military Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Kindu Gezu.