At least 70 al-Shabaab militants were killed in a military operation by the Somali army and African Union peacekeepers in Lower Shabelle, the Defense Ministry said Monday. Two Somali soldiers died and 12 others were injured during the intense fighting, the ministry added in a statement.
The operation, dubbed “Silent Storm,” was carried out by the Somali National Army and Ugandan Defense Forces, part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Supported by international partners, the forces launched a well-planned assault targeting key al-Shabaab bases in Bariire, a strategic town 73 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.
Al-Shabaab attempted a suicide attack using two explosive-laden vehicles during the battle, but the forces neutralized both before they could inflict damage. The ministry described the troops’ vigilance and bravery as instrumental in preventing further casualties and breaking through militant defenses.
This statement followed a recent report from AUSSOM, which said over 50 al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a joint operation with the Somali army in the same region. Bariire is known for its agricultural significance and has been a frequent target in al-Shabaab’s insurgency against the government.
For more than 16 years, al-Shabaab has waged a violent campaign, regularly attacking security forces, government officials, and civilians. The latest operation marks a significant blow to the insurgents, demonstrating coordinated efforts to restore peace in the troubled region.