Somali, Ugandan Forces Repel Al-Shabaab Assault in Lower Shabelle
MOGADISHU: A joint force of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), successfully repelled an early morning attack by Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. The assault targeted Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in the Sabiid and Canole areas.
The Confrontation
The attack, which began around 6:20 a.m. on Friday, July 26, was met with a swift and coordinated response from the joint forces. The Somali Ministry of Defence confirmed that their forces, who were on high alert, managed to thwart the militants’ attempt to breach the area.
“Both the Somali National Army and Uganda’s UPDF responded swiftly and decisively, ensuring that the terrorists’ assault was repelled,” said the Ministry of Defence in a statement.
During the confrontation, 18 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, with several others suffering injuries. The forces are continuing their operations to track down the insurgents who managed to escape.
Recovery and Casualties
The Ugandan Ministry of Defence confirmed that a total of 19 militants were killed in action, with 13 others escaping with severe injuries. A variety of weapons were recovered, including an 82mm mortar barrel, six PKM machine guns, and thirteen submachine guns (SMGs).
However, the Somali Ministry of Defence reported that four Somali soldiers lost their lives in the line of duty, with seven others injured. “The wounded soldiers received immediate medical attention,” the Ministry said, praising the bravery and resilience of the SNA troops.
Strategic Importance of FOBs
Both Somali and Ugandan officials emphasized the importance of retaining control over the recently liberated FOBs, which were only secured in June 2025. The FOBs are considered crucial for maintaining regional security, especially in the face of continued militant threats.
Ugandan Defence Spokesperson, Major General Felix Kulayigye, highlighted the success of the mission: “The affected FOBs remain securely under the control of AUSSOM and SNAF troops. We are committed to ensuring these areas stay safe, and operations are ongoing to apprehend any remaining militants.”
The Broader Context of Al-Shabaab’s Insurgency
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group linked to Al-Qaeda, has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government and African Union peacekeepers for more than a decade. Despite significant territorial losses, the group remains a potent threat, particularly in southern Somalia, where they continue to launch asymmetric attacks.
Uganda, a key player in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its successor, AUSSOM, has been at the forefront of peacekeeping efforts since 2007. The mission aims to support Somali-led stabilization initiatives and build local security capacity in areas recently liberated from Al-Shabaab.
Conclusion
The recent success of Somali and Ugandan forces in repelling the Al-Shabaab assault underscores the ongoing challenges in the fight against insurgency in Somalia. While the operation was successful, the region remains volatile, and continued vigilance is required to maintain security in Lower Shabelle and other contested areas.
