Uganda Confirms Death of 7 Soldiers in Somalia Clash With Al-Shabaab

KAMPALA, Uganda - The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the death of seven soldiers serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) following fierce confrontations with the al-Shabaab fighters.

Uganda has at least 3,000 soldiers serving in AUSSOM and has been instrumental in the liberation of several strategic towns within the country for the last two decades. The contingent has, however, been significantly affected by the drawdown of troops.

Recent attacks have stoked fears of a jihadist resurgence in the Horn of Africa nation, especially coming as AUSSOM struggles with insufficient troops and funding shortfalls. The losses were inflicted after the soldiers tried to retake a strategic bridge within the Lower Shabelle region.

"Unfortunately, we lost seven soldiers during the battle," Ugandan People's Defence Force spokesman Felix Kulayigye told AFP.

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, who have managed to bring order to various strategic towns.

“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. The al-Shabaab militants have frequently used the bridge to wage sophisticated attacks within Lower Shabelle.

“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.

GAROWE ONLINE