The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in collaboration with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have launched a major offensive targeting the strategic town of Bariire, currently under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.

The operation, which began early on Friday, 1 August 2025, is part of the second phase of Operation Silent Storm, a broader military campaign aimed at liberating the towns of Sabiid, Anole, Bariire, and Awdheegle.

Sabiid and Anole have already been successfully recaptured by the joint forces in earlier phases.

Located approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu, Bariire has been a key operational base for Al-Shabaab.

Over the past two days of fierce fighting, more than 50 militants have been neutralised, including three of the group’s senior commanders:

• Mohammed Abdallah, an anti-tank specialist
• Sadam Ibrahim, an improvised explosive device (IED) expert
• Abas, a key infantry commander

Several other fighters sustained serious injuries as the offensive continues to push forward.

Troops from both UPDF and SNAF are actively engaged in efforts to dislodge remaining militants and establish full control over the area.

During the fighting, Al-Shabaab attempted to launch a suicide attack using two explosives-laden vehicles aimed at the joint forces. Both were intercepted and destroyed before causing any harm.

UPDF spokesperson, Major General Felix Kulayigye, reaffirmed the commitment of the joint forces to defeat terrorism in Somalia.

“Al-Shabaab’s propaganda will not weaken our resolve. We remain committed to freeing Somali communities from the grip of terrorism,” said Maj Gen Kulayigye.

He emphasized that the operation seeks not only to eliminate the remaining terrorist elements but also to apprehend collaborators and restore long-term peace and stability in the region.

The offensive in Bariire is another critical step in efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and support Somalia’s path toward national recovery and security.

In mid‑June 2024, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) formally handed over the Bariire Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Army (SNA), marking the start of the third phase of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troop drawdown.

This followed two earlier drawdown phases: June 2023 and January 2024, during which ATMIS withdrew ~5,000 personnel and handed over 17 FOBs