Somalia Army Chief visits UPDF frontline after key gains against Al-Shabaab

SABIID-ANOLE - Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces, Major General Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, on Thursday visited Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in the frontline town of Sabiid-Anole.

The purpose of the Thursday, July 17th visit was to commend the allied forces for their role in driving Al-Shabaab militants out of the area during the initial phase of Operation Silent Storm.

The joint offensive, involving the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) under AUSSOM, successfully liberated the towns of Sabiid and Anole in Lower Shabelle from extremist control in a recent encounter.

Lt. Gen Sam Kavuma addressing troops in Sabiid-Anole after dislodging Al-Shabaab militants.

According to the report from the  Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs, Major General Odowaa praised the cooperation between forces and reiterated Somalia’s commitment to the mission’s goals.

“The partnership between AUSSOM, UPDF, SNAF, and our other partners is key to liberating the remaining areas still under Al-Shabaab. History will record that Uganda stood with Somalia in its time of need,” he said.

According to MODVA directorate of communication,  Maj. Gen. Odowaa further noted that current operations had significantly weakened Al-Shabaab’s grip on Lower Shabelle and pledged to maintain pressure on the group.

AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma and Major General Odowaa inspecting some of the positions of recent clash.

Welcoming Odowaa to the frontline, AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, expressed gratitude for the continued support from  SNAF. “Your support in Operation Silent Storm and beyond has contributed to the success we are now witnessing,” said Lt Gen Kavuma.

He highlighted the critical role of discipline and community relations in military operations.

“No army, however powerful, can win a war without the support of the people. Discipline, respect for civilians and their property, and close command and control are non-negotiable,” he added.

AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma and Major General Odowaa arriving at the frontline.

He also urged the peacekeepers to remain dedicated, obedient, and prepared to make sacrifices in pursuit of national and regional peace.

Major General Odowaa was accompanied by Sector One Commander Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Operation Silent Storm Commander Colonel Kosia Kuteesa, Sector One Military Information Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jean Rukiira, and senior SNAF officers.

The visit took place amid continued joint military operations in Sector One, where Al-Shabaab’s capabilities have been considerably diminished. These efforts form part of a wider strategy to restore peace and stability across Somalia and the region.