Somali, AU forces strike al-Shabaab, kill more than 30 militants

MOGADISHU, Jan 15 – Somali and African Union (AU) forces, together with Ugandan troops, killed more than 30 al-Shabaab militants and wounded several others during a joint operation in southern Somalia on Thursday, the AU mission said.

The operation, supported by international partners, involved coordinated air and ground strikes near the Bulunugaad forward operating base to target al-Shabaab positions and reduce the group’s operational capacity in Lower Shabelle, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said.

The action followed attacks by militants on Somali and AU forces pursuing al-Shabaab fighters who had been expelled from coastal towns during the Somali army-led Operation Hidden Sword.

“AUSSOM and Somali forces remain committed to weakening al-Shabaab and advancing lasting peace, stability, and security across the Horn of Africa,” the mission said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab, affiliated with al-Qaida, has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians.

Since July 2025, Somali troops with support from AUSSOM and other international partners have intensified operations against the group.

The AU mission’s mandate was renewed by the U.N. Security Council in December 2025, with a U.K.-backed resolution extending it through Dec. 31, 2026.

GAROWE ONLINE