Somali, AU forces kill 100+ al-Shabaab militants in Lower Shabelle op.
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Somali and African Union forces capture several al-Shabaab militants in a major operation to liberate Bariire in Lower Shabelle.
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Somali soldiers march during celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the country's independence in Mogadishu, Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (AP)
More than 100 al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others were captured during a week-long military operation in the Lower Shabelle region, the Somali Defense Ministry said on Friday evening.
In a joint effort with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Somali National Army (SNA) liberated the strategic town of Bariire, located 73 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Mogadishu.
“The forces are now conducting clearance operations in the town and surrounding areas, seizing a significant cache of weapons and military supplies,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The latest offensive follows an earlier announcement that at least 70 al-Shabaab members were killed in the same area earlier in the week. The SNA confirmed that two soldiers were killed and 12 others injured during clashes on Monday.
Bariire is considered a key agricultural hub and has long been used by al-Shabaab as a base for launching attacks. The militant group, which has been fighting the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targets security forces, officials, and civilians.
Clashes between Army, al-Shabaab
Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on Somali government forces and allied troops in April, aiming to capture a strategically important army base in the central town of Warghadi, Middle Shabelle region.
The base houses government soldiers, special forces, and clan fighters, and its fall could sever a crucial route linking the capital, Mogadishu, to the Galmudug state.
According to reports, control over Warghadi would allow al-Shabaab to disrupt military logistics and civilian movement along one of Somalia’s main highways.
Conflicting claims over control of Warghadi
Al-Shabaab, in a statement cited by Reuters, claimed to have seized both the military base and the town of Warghadi. However, the Somali government denied this, asserting that its forces had repelled the attack.
In an official statement, the Somali Ministry of Information stated, "Government forces killed more than 40 militants after they attempted to storm the base on Thursday morning."
Despite these claims, a military source told Reuters that al-Shabaab eventually took control of the town after fierce fighting, which left around 20 of the group’s fighters dead.
The source explained that al-Shabaab received reinforcements, tipping the balance in their favor and enabling them to occupy Warghadi. The Somali army reportedly faced difficulties sending in reinforcements due to reliance on routes controlled by al-Shabaab.
