Lower Shabelle, Somalia – In a show of resilience and coordination, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the new African Union Stabilization Support to Somalia Mission (AUSSOM), successfully repelled an early morning attack by the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the Sabiib and Canoole areas of the Lower Shabelle region.
The attack began at approximately 6:20 AM on Friday, when heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants launched a surprise assault on military positions jointly manned by Somali and Ugandan forces. According to military sources, the militants attempted to breach forward operating bases but were met with fierce resistance.
Preliminary reports indicate that several Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the confrontation, while government forces sustained minimal casualties. The situation has since been stabilized, and troops remain on high alert to prevent any follow-up attacks.
This marks one of the first major joint operations under the AUSSOM framework, which officially replaced ATMIS earlier this month as the African Union’s primary mission in Somalia. AUSSOM is tasked with supporting Somalia’s security forces as they take on greater responsibility in combating terrorism and stabilizing liberated areas.
Military commanders praised the coordination between the SNA and UPDF, highlighting it as a sign of growing regional commitment to eliminate the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. Residents in nearby villages expressed gratitude to the security forces for their swift action, which prevented the militants from entering civilian-populated areas.
The Federal Government of Somalia reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating terrorism and ensuring peace in Lower Shabelle and across the country. Security operations in the region are expected to continue, with increased focus on dismantling remaining Al-Shabaab hideouts.