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On Friday, Somali National Army (SNA) troops, working alongside soldiers from the Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF), successfully defended a military base in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region from an al-Shabaab attack. The Ugandan troops are part of the African Union’s Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which helps Somali forces fight terrorism and restore peace.
The attack happened in the Sabiib and Anole areas, where al-Shabaab fighters launched a coordinated assault. However, the government troops were well-prepared and responded quickly. According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the soldiers managed to push back the attackers, killing at least 18 al-Shabaab militants during the fighting.
Despite the successful defense, the battle came at a cost. Four Somali soldiers lost their lives, and seven others were wounded. The Ministry of Defense praised the bravery of the national forces, saying they were on high alert and ready for such attacks.
In its statement, the ministry noted that “the national forces, who were on high alert and fully prepared, responded swiftly and effectively to the assault, successfully thwarting the terrorists’ attempt to penetrate the area.”
Following the clash, security forces launched pursuit operations to track down the militants who fled. The ministry also mentioned the crucial role of international partners, who provided air support. Aerial strikes were carried out during or shortly after the battle, causing significant damage to al-Shabaab positions and equipment.
This recent battle is part of a larger campaign that has been going on for the past two months. In late June, Somali and AUSSOM forces recaptured the key villages of Anole and Sabid, which had been under al-Shabaab control. These areas are considered strategically important because they serve as vital links for military and civilian movement in the region.
The Lower Shabelle region has long been a hotspot for violence due to its location and resources. Al-Shabaab often uses it as a base to launch attacks on nearby towns and roads used by government forces and civilians.
Al-Shabaab is a militant group that has been fighting against the Somali government for over 16 years. The group often targets military bases, government officials, and even ordinary citizens. Despite being driven out of major cities, it still controls parts of rural Somalia and continues to stage deadly attacks.
Somalia’s federal government, supported by regional allies and international forces, has been working to eliminate the group and reclaim territory. The African Union mission, now operating under the AUSSOM name, includes troops from several countries like Uganda, Burundi, and Ethiopia. Their goal is to help stabilize the country, train local forces, and eventually hand over security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The recent defense of the army base shows the growing strength and coordination between Somali forces and their allies. It also highlights the continuing threat posed by al-Shabaab, which remains one of the biggest security challenges in Somalia today.
Officials say the fight is far from over. Pursuit operations are ongoing, and more offensives are expected in the coming weeks to clear the remaining pockets of resistance in Lower Shabelle and beyond.
As Somalia moves forward in its efforts to restore peace and rebuild its institutions, cooperation between national forces and international partners remains essential. Battles like this one in Sabiib and Anole are a reminder of both the dangers and the progress being made in the fight against terrorism.