Seven Ugandan Soldiers Killed in Fierce Battle to Retake Somali Town From Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least seven Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers were killed during a fierce three-day joint operation to recapture Sabiid-Anole town from Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Defence and UPDF Spokesperson, confirmed the casualties in a Sunday briefing to the press, describing the loss as a “painful but heroic sacrifice in the line of duty.”

The soldiers were part of a coordinated offensive involving the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Silent Storm,” led to the elimination of 30 Al-Shabaab fighters, the recovery of weapons caches, and the dismantling of numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). 
 
The fallen soldiers were killed during intense close-quarter combat as the joint forces stormed militant hideouts and cleared underground tunnel networks where the insurgents had taken refuge.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, praised the efforts of the joint forces: “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.”

Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, described Sabiid-Anole as a major logistical and planning hub for Al-Shabaab.

“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,” he said.

Military sources confirmed that after the town was secured, AUSSOM and SNA units began consolidating control and are now engaged in follow-up operations to eliminate remaining pockets of Al-Shabaab fighters in the wider Afgooye District.

The remains of the seven fallen soldiers are expected to be repatriated to Uganda for burial with full military honors.

Uganda has played a frontline role in stabilizing Somalia since 2007 under the African Union framework. Al-Shabaab, affiliated with Al-Qaeda, continues to carry out attacks despite sustained offensives.

In 2022, AMISOM transitioned to AUSSOM, focusing more on supporting Somalia’s security transition and reducing the presence of foreign troops over time.

Source: chimpreports