Somali, Ugandan and African Union forces have killed at least 30 Al Shabab fighters and wounded several others during a joint operation in southern Somalia, according to the AU peacekeeping mission.
The operation took place near the Bulunagaad forward operating base in the Lower Shabelle region and was aimed at targeting Al Shabab positions and degrading the group’s operational capacity, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia said.
The mission said the fighting followed an attack by Al Shabab on Somali army units and AU forces who were pursuing militants driven out of coastal towns during the Somali army led Operation Hidden Sword.
AU officials said joint forces would continue coordinated operations to weaken Al Shabab and support long term peace, stability and security across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
Al Shabab, which operates mainly in southern and central Somalia, has carried out attacks against the Somali state for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, government officials and civilians.
Since July 2025, the Somali army, backed by AU forces and international partners, has intensified its campaign against the group as part of broader efforts to reclaim territory and restore state authority.
The AU mission’s mandate was renewed by the UN Security Council in December, extending its authorisation until 31 December 2026, according to media reports.