The Commander of Somali National Army (SNA) Land Forces, Maj Gen Sahal Abdullahi Omar, and African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga have visited frontline troops in Sabiid-Anole following the successful operation to dislodge Al-Shabaab militants from the area
The two senior commanders commended the combined forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and SNA for dislodging the insurgents from the town, pledging continued support to secure further gains.
Maj Gen Abdullahi, commended the bravery and coordination exhibited by the Forces saying that their efforts are key to restoring stability and sovereignty in Somalia and reaffirming the Somalia National Army’s resolve to fully liberate the country from terrorist control.
While speaking on the same function Brig Gen Ssemwanga praised the effective partnership between the forces, noting the operation’s strategic importance.
“With our joint efforts, Al-Shabaab could not hold ground,” he said. “The capture of Sabiid-Anole boosts momentum, and we are confident more towns still under terrorist control will soon be liberated.” Brig Gen Ssemwanga said.
He also reaffirmed AUSSOM and its partners’ commitment to the Pan-African goal of defeating terrorism and promoting long-term peace in Somalia and the wider region.
The commanders were welcomed by Battle Group XLII Commander, Col Kosia Kuteesa, who led them through the town to assess the destruction inflicted by Al-Shabaab prior to their defeat.
Sabiid-Anole had been under militant control since March, with Al-Shabaab fighters wreaking havoc and extorting the local population through illegal taxation. Its recapture marks a significant blow to the group’s morale and operational presence in the region.
