Somali National Army (SNA) units, backed by Uganda’s contingent in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), foiled an al‑Shabaab assault in the Sabiib and Canoole areas of Lower Shabelle on Friday, killing 18 militants, the Defence Ministry said. Four SNA soldiers were killed and seven wounded.
“The national forces, on high alert, responded swiftly and thwarted the terrorists’ attempt to penetrate the area,” the ministry said, adding that pursuit operations continue. It said international partners provided air support that inflicted “heavy damage” on the group.
The SNA and AUSSOM forces retook the strategic villages of Anole and Sabid in late June after nearly two months of fighting. Al‑Shabaab has waged a 16-year insurgency targeting security forces, officials and civilians.