UPDF and Somali Army Kill 30 Terrorists in Latest Offensive

At least 30 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in a joint offensive with the Somali National Army (SNA).

The fierce exchange took place on Saturday and Sunday morning in Sabiid-Anole town in the Lower Shabelle region, a strategic area recently recaptured by Al-Shabaab after the drawdown of foreign troops ahead of the planned full handover of security responsibilities to SNA.

Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF Spokesperson, said the operation — codenamed “Operation Silent Storm” — followed a three-day siege that forced the militants from their hideouts and underground tunnels. “During the operation, thirty (30) Al-Shabaab fighters were eliminated in a coordinated combined-arms assault. UPDF teams also recovered a cache of weapons and dismantled numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the militants,” Maj Gen Kulayigye said.

Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, the AUSSOM Force Commander, hailed the bravery of the joint forces in the successful operation. “I commend the bravery of our gallant AUSSOM-UPDF troops and the Somali National Army. This operation is part of our continued effort to degrade Al-Shabaab and fully implement the Somali Transition Plan, which will eventually see security responsibilities handed over to Somali forces,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.

Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, the Sector One Commander, described Sabiid-Anole as a critical operational hub for the militant group. “Since March, this town had become a strategic location for the terrorists to plan attacks, hide weapons and vehicles for VBIEDs, and erect illegal checkpoints to extort civilians,” Brig Gen Ssemwanga said.

He added that following the operation, AUSSOM and SNA forces are firmly holding the liberated area and are conducting further clearance operations across Afgooye District to eliminate remaining terrorist elements.