Mogadishu (Hornpost) The Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with African Union peacekeeping forces, has successfully captured the strategic town of Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region following a military offensive against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.
During the operation, the Somali military displayed one of the largest caches of weapons ever seized from Al-Shabaab militants. The recovered arms and ammunition were showcased in Bariire, signifying a major blow to the group’s capabilities in the region.
General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, Commander of the Somali National Army’s Ground Forces, conducted an official field visit to Bariire today. He inspected the recently liberated areas, including former Al-Shabaab hideouts and bunkers, where the bodies of numerous militants were found, alongside large quantities of weapons and military supplies abandoned by the fleeing fighters.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Cagey, commander of the SNA’s 17th Commando Battalion, briefed General Sahal on the security situation and the measures taken to stabilize the town and surrounding areas.
General Sahal commended the bravery and dedication of the Somali forces and their Ugandan allies from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He encouraged the troops to double their efforts in eliminating the Khawarij (a term the Somali government uses for Al-Shabaab), who continue to pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the Somali people.
Press release AUSSOM on recapture Bariire town.
Joint AUSSOM and Somali Security Forces recapture Bariire town
(For Immediate release) AUSSOM PR/15/2025
Mogadishu: The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) troops have together successfully recaptured Bariire town, located southwest of the capital, Mogadishu.
The joint operation involved a significant ground offensive against Al Shabab militants and their affiliates over several days.
The joint forces targeted Al Shabaab hideouts, inflicting heavy casualties on the terrorist group.
Throughout the week-long operation, more than 100 militants were neutralized, with many others sustaining serious injuries.
The African Union Special Representative and Head of AUSSOM Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene commended the dedication of AUSSOM and SNAF forces in their efforts to stabilize Somalia.
“Today marks a major turning point in our mission to support SNAF secure the Lower Shabelle region, which had been destabilized by Al Shabaab militants and other illegal armed groups. We shall not waver in our determination to restore lasting peace and security across Somalia,” said Amb. Diene.
AUSSOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma congratulated the joint forces for a successful offensive, terming it a game-changer.
“I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM UPDF troops and the Somali National Armed Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab. AUSSOM is fully committed to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, culminating in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces,” he said.
AUSSOM Uganda contingent Commander, Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, acknowledged the bravery of the troops describing the liberation of Bariire as a major milestone in Somalia’s journey towards lasting peace and security.
“The capture of Bariire is another huge blow to Al Shabaab and a major achievement for AUSSOM UPDF troops, SNAF, the Somali Government and local residents,” said Brig. Gen. Ssemwanga.
The joint forces have recovered a cache of weapons previously used by the militants to attack innocent civilians and destroy key installations in Lower Shabelle.
The fall of Bariire town follows the successful recapture of Sabiid and Anole towns in June, also in Lower Shabelle.
Before its recapture, Al Shabaab had used the strategic town as a launchpad for terrorist attacks in the region and the capital, Mogadishu.
AUSSOM and SNAF are currently securing the liberated town and conducting searches for remaining terrorist cells in the area and its surroundings.
For more information contact Email: atmismediacenter@au-ssom.org
Hornpost staff Reporter
