Somali, UPDF and partners celebrate liberation of Awdheegle from Al-Shabaab

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The Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) Land Forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, has praised the joint forces comprising the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), SNAF, and international partners for their successful operations that liberated Awdheegle from Al-Shabaab militants.

In a statement released on Monday, October 13, 2025, the UPDF said Brig. Gen. Abdullahi expressed gratitude to God for the victory and commended the troops for their dedication, discipline, and teamwork during a field visit to the recently recaptured town on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

“We thank God for this victory, and I commend all commanders and troops for successfully achieving the mission objective,” he said.

Somalia National Army Land force commander Brig Gen Sahel Abdullahi Omar giving his remarks while meeting the troops in Awadgele. (Courtesy photo)

He cautioned that although enemy forces had been pushed out of the area, they still posed a potential threat and could attempt to regroup. He urged the troops to remain vigilant and continue consolidating the gains.

Brig. Gen. Abdullahi was accompanied by Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, who reminded the troops to maintain readiness, courage, and determination.

“We have come a long way, and the mission continues. Let us maintain our courage, determination, and readiness to fight until total peace and stability are restored,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga emphasised the importance of discipline, close collaboration, and coordination between the UPDF, SNAF, and international partners, describing the operation as a model of joint planning, intelligence sharing, and disciplined execution.

“This victory reflects growing cooperation and capability among the forces,” he added.

The Governor of Lower Shabelle, Ibrahim Adam Najah, and the South West State of Somalia Minister for Internal Security, Hassan Abdulkadir Mohamed, congratulated the joint forces, highlighting the operation as a demonstration of unity and commitment to regional peace.

Brig. Gen. Abdullahi encouraged troops to remain focused and prepared for the next phase of operations aimed at neutralising remaining enemy elements and ensuring lasting peace in Somalia.

The liberation of Awdheegle marked the recapture of all three key strategic towns of Sabiid-Anole, Bariire, and Awdheegle, which had fallen to Al-Shabaab earlier in the year. The towns are now reportedly returning to normal, with residents resuming daily activities safely.

The field visit was attended by senior and junior officers from both the UPDF and SNAF, including Battle Group XLII Commander Col Kosia Kuteesa, Battle Group XLV Commander Col Justus Kambale Musenene, Battle Group XLIV Commander Col Owiny Akena, who led the capture of Awdheegle, and Sector One Military Information Officer Lt Col Jean Rukiira.

On October 5, 2025, the UPDF announced that its AUSSOM troops, in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces, had successfully recaptured Awdheegle town in the Lower Shabelle region.

The army said the military campaign, the third phase of Operation Silent Storm, marks a major milestone in ongoing efforts to weaken and dismantle Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region. Following days of combined arms offensives and sieges, the joint forces cleared the town of Al-Shabaab fighters, flushing them from hideouts, trenches, and tunnels.

According to the UPDF, during the operation, the forces inflicted significant casualties on the militants, capturing others and recovering weapons, including submachine guns, PKMs, RPGs, sniper rifles, and caches of live ammunition abandoned by retreating terrorists.

The success follows the earlier recapture of Bariire, Sabiid, and Anole towns, consolidating gains by AUSSOM and Somali forces in the Lower Shabelle region.

AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen. Sam Kavuma, praised the joint forces, stating, “I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM UPDF troops and the Somali National Armed Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab. AUSSOM remains fully committed to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, culminating in the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.”

Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga described the capture of Awdheegle as a significant blow to Al-Shabaab. “This is a major achievement for AUSSOM, the Somali Government, and the local population. I thank our troops for their resilience and bravery that ensured the defeat of the terrorists in Awdheegle town,” he said.

Awdheegle had become a strategic base for Al-Shabaab operations, including attacks, concealment of ammunition and vehicles for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), and the establishment of illegal checkpoints to extort locals.