Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) jointly manned by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) came under attack early this morning in Sabiid-Anole, a town southwest of Mogadishu.
The coordinated assault by Al Shabaab militants was decisively repelled by the joint forces, who operate under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
According to Major General Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF’s Director of Defence Public Information, the attack began at approximately 06:30 a.m. but was swiftly countered, resulting in nineteen (19) Al Shabaab militants killed in action and thirteen (13) others fleeing with serious injuries.
“The terrorists were decisively defeated. Our troops, in close coordination with Somali forces, remain in full control of all bases,” said Maj. Gen. Kulayigye.
“We continue to stand with the people of Somalia in their pursuit of peace and stability.”
During the operation, the joint forces recovered a cache of weapons, including:
The Forward Operating Bases targeted in the assault had only recently been liberated from Al Shabaab control in June 2025, making today’s attack a clear attempt by the terror group to regain ground.
A follow-up operation is now underway to pursue the fleeing militants and dismantle any remaining enemy cells operating in the area.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which succeeded AMISOM, plays a pivotal role in supporting Somali-led security operations and stabilizing liberated territories.
Uganda is one of the mission’s leading troop-contributing countries.
“We assure the residents of Sabiid-Anole and surrounding communities that their security is a top priority. The mission to eliminate Al Shabaab from all remaining pockets in the Lower Shabelle region is ongoing and gaining momentum,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye added.
