Ugandan AU forces suffer heavy losses in battle to retake Barire from al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Aug 9 – Ugandan troops serving under the African Union (AU) mission in Somalia suffered significant casualties during an operation to recapture the strategic town of Barire from al-Shabaab militants, security sources said on Friday.

At least 17 soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were killed in the offensive, including six who died earlier this week following a suicide car bomb (VBIED) attack. Despite the losses, AU forces regained full control of Barire in a major blow to the al-Qaeda-linked group.

Barire, which lies about 50 km southwest of the capital, Mogadishu, had been under al-Shabaab control for months. Its capture comes just weeks after the group seized Mahas town in the Hiran region, the third town to fall into their hands since April 2025, raising concerns over the group's resurgence in central Somalia.

Four al-Shabaab fighters were captured during the final assault to seize the town. The recapture of Barire followed earlier gains in Sahid and Anole villages.

Military commanders say the next target is Awdhegle, a key stronghold. Retaking Awdhegle would bring all five strategic bridges in the region under government control and push al-Shabaab to the northern side of the Shabelle River.

GAROWE ONLINE