Bariire, Somalia — In a significant blow to the al-Shabaab insurgency, over 50 militants were killed and several others wounded during a joint offensive in Bariire, Lower Shabelle region, according to a statement from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The operation, which took place over the weekend, was part of ongoing military efforts aimed at dismantling al-Shabaab’s strongholds in southern Somalia. AUSSOM described the offensive as “highly successful,” noting that coordinated ground and air attacks were launched against the extremist group’s entrenched positions.
“More than 50 al-Shabaab terrorists were neutralized, and many others sustained critical injuries during the targeted operation in the Bariire area. This offensive forms part of broader efforts to degrade the operational capacity of the group and protect Somali civilians from terrorist violence,” the AUSSOM statement read.
Bariire, a strategic farming town southwest of Mogadishu, has long been contested due to its proximity to supply routes and agricultural resources. The town has seen repeated al-Shabaab activity in recent years, often used as a staging ground for attacks on Somali government forces and civilians.
Military officials noted that several weapons caches and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also destroyed in the operation. The Somali National Army (SNA) worked in close collaboration with AUSSOM forces, further demonstrating improved coordination between domestic and international security partners.
The Lower Shabelle region remains one of al-Shabaab’s main operational theaters. However, recent offensives have dealt heavy losses to the group, forcing many of its fighters to retreat from key territories.
Security analysts see this latest operation as a strong indication of renewed momentum in Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign, especially as the country prepares for the full transition of security responsibilities from international forces to the Somali government.
Despite these gains, officials caution that al-Shabaab still poses a serious threat, with the group continuing to launch asymmetrical attacks across central and southern Somalia.
Authorities have vowed to sustain the pressure and called on local communities to support ongoing operations by reporting militant activity.