The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in coordination with the Somali National Army, have captured a senior Al-Shabaab commander alive during a coordinated operation in the general area of Mubaraka.
The suspect, identified as Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known by the alias “Sahm,” was apprehended on Wednesday on the north-western outskirts of Mubaraka by AUSSOM troops working alongside the SNA Gorgor Unit 203. Macalin, 40, is reported to have served as a battalion commander within Al-Shabaab’s ranks.
According to security sources, at the time of his capture, Macalin was conducting reconnaissance on Somali National Army defensive positions in preparation for a planned attack on Mubaraka. He is alleged to have been operating with a group of fighters, including approximately 17 foreign militants who had recently moved from Jilib to Ugunji.
The Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Jackson Kayanja, commended the troops involved in the operation, describing it as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities in the region. He praised the coordination between AUSSOM forces and the Somali National Army, noting that such joint operations continue to disrupt militant networks and pre-empt planned attacks.
Brig Gen Kayanja also urged local leaders and communities to maintain cooperation with security forces, emphasizing that sustained collaboration is critical to strengthening stability and enhancing security in liberated and contested areas.
The UPDF contingent under AUSSOM, in partnership with the Somali National Army, continues to conduct operations aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats and supporting Somalia’s broader efforts to restore lasting peace and security.
