Somali, Ugandan Troops Kill 70 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Major Bariire Offensive

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali and Ugandan forces have killed more than 70 Al-Shabaab fighters in a joint offensive on the militant group’s stronghold in Bariire, a strategic town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.

According to military officials, the four-day operation, part of the ongoing “Silent Storm” campaign, was led by the Somali National Army (SNA) with support from Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the African Union’s AUSSOM mission and backed by international partners.

Al-Shabaab militants attempted to repel the assault using two explosives-laden vehicles in a suicide attack, but both were intercepted and destroyed before reaching their targets, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence.

The operation also resulted in the neutralisation of several enemy positions around Bariire. Two SNA soldiers were killed and twelve others were lightly wounded, officials said.

“This coordinated action dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab’s operational presence in the region,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement, commending the “bravery and sacrifice” of Somali and Ugandan troops.

The Somali government has vowed to sustain pressure on Al-Shabaab as part of broader efforts to restore security and extend state authority across the country.