The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in close coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have launched a major offensive to recapture Bariire town from Al-Shabaab militants.
According to the UPDF Spokesman Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye said that the operation began on the morning of Friday, 1st August 2025, targeting Bariire which is a strategic town situated approximately 50 kilometres south-west of the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Maj Gen Kulayigye explained that this marks the second phase of Operation ‘Silent Storm’, which is a broader military campaign aimed at liberating the towns of Sabiid, Anole, Bariire and Awdheegle and the Towns of Sabiid and Anole have already been successfully recaptured by the joint forces.
He disclosed that during the past two days of fighting in Bariire, more than 50 Al-Shabaab militants have been neutralised and these included three Senior Commanders who included Mohammed Abdallah who is anti-tank specialist, Sadam Ibrahim who is an improvised explosive device (IED) expert and one identified as Abas who is infantry commander.
Maj Gen Kulayigye said in the State that several other militants sustained serious injuries and the offensive remains active, with UPDF and Somalia National Armed Forces troops continuing operations to dislodge remaining fighters and secure full control of the area.
“The UPDF affirms that Al-Shabaab’s propaganda will not weaken the determination of the joint forces to liberate Somali communities from terrorism,” Maj GenKulayigye said.
The UPDF and Somalia National Armed Forces remain committed to neutralising all remaining terrorist elements and apprehending their collaborators, in line with our shared objective of restoring peace, security and stability in Somalia.
