At least 30 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed by the Uganda People s Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in a joint offensive with the Somali National Army (SNA).

The fierce exchange took place on Saturday and Sunday morning in Sabiid-Anole town in the Lower Shabelle region, a strategic area recently recaptured by Al-Shabaab after the drawdown of foreign troops ahead of the planned full handover of security responsibilities to SNA.

Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF Spokesperson, said the operation codenamed Operation Silent Storm followed a three-day siege that forced the militants from their hideouts and underground tunnels. During the operation, thirty (30) Al-Shabaab fighters were eliminated in a coordinated combined-arms assault. UPDF teams also recovered a cache of weapons and dismantled numerous Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the militants.

Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, the AUSSOM Force Commander, hailed the bravery of the joint forces in the successful operation.

This operation is part of our continued effort to degrade Al-Shabaab and fully implement the Somali Transition Plan, which will eventually see security responsibilities handed over to Somali forces.