At least 30 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed following a joint military operation by the Somali National Army (SNA), the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and international partners in Lower Shabelle region.

According to an AUSSOM press statement dated January 15, 2026, the operation was conducted in the vicinity of the Bulunagaad Forward Operating Base (FOB) and involved coordinated ground and air offensives. Several other militants were injured during the engagements.

The joint forces reportedly responded after Al-Shabaab fighters launched attacks on SNA and AUSSOM troops who were pursuing remnants of the group displaced from the coastal towns of Gendershe and along the Jilib–Marka axis. These pursuits form part of ongoing SNA-led operations codenamed Operation Hidden Sword.

AUSSOM stated that the operation was executed swiftly and decisively to neutralize terrorist threats targeting both security personnel and civilians in the area.

“The SNA and AUSSOM, working closely with partners, remain committed to protecting civilian lives, maintaining security, and ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian assistance and logistics supplies to local communities,” the statement read.

Joint forces emphasized that operations against Al-Shabaab will continue as part of broader efforts to degrade the group’s operational capabilities and promote lasting peace, stability, and security in Somalia.

AUSSOM reaffirmed its support for Somali-led security operations and regional partners contributing troops under the African Union mission.