By Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have captured the strategic town of Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region, dealing a major blow to the Al-Shabaab militant group.
The operation, code-named Silent Storm, was launched on Friday, August 8, 2025, as part of the second phase of the offensive to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip on the region. It follows recent victories in the towns of Sabiid and Anole.
According to AUSSOM, the offensive inflicted heavy casualties on the militants, with over 100 fighters killed, more than 50 injured, and several captured. The joint forces also seized 30 submachine guns, six PKM machine guns, four rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), eight sniper rifles, and a large cache of live ammunition.
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AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, praised the joint forces for their “brave efforts” in degrading Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity.
“AUSSOM is fully committed to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, which will culminate in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces,” Lt Gen Kavuma said.
Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, hailed the victory as “another huge blow to the Al-Shabaab” and commended the troops’ resilience.
“The capture of Bariire is a major achievement for AUSSOM UPDF troops, SNAF, the Somali government, and the locals,” he said.
Bariire had long served as a strategic hub for Al-Shabaab, used for planning deadly attacks, hiding ammunition, staging vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), and running illegal checkpoints to extort locals.
The joint forces are now securing the town and clearing remaining pockets of militants in Bariire district and surrounding areas, with the aim of fully eradicating Al-Shabaab from the region and fostering a safer, more peaceful Somalia.
