At least seven soldiers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) were killed during a fierce three-day joint operation to recapture the strategic town of Sabiid-Anole from Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Defence and UPDF spokesperson, announced the casualties during a press briefing on Sunday, describing the loss as a “painful but heroic sacrifice in the line of duty.”
The fallen soldiers were part of a coordinated offensive involving the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Codenamed Operation Silent Storm, the mission led to the elimination of 30 Al-Shabaab fighters, recovery of weapons caches, and the dismantling of multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to military sources, the UPDF troops were killed during intense close-quarters combat as joint forces stormed insurgent hideouts and cleared underground tunnel networks where militants had taken refuge.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, AUSSOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma commended the bravery of the allied troops:
“I commend the courage of our gallant AUSSOM-UPDF forces and the Somali National Army. This operation marks a critical step in degrading Al-Shabaab and advancing the Somali Transition Plan, which aims to eventually transfer security responsibilities fully to Somali forces.”
Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, described Sabiid-Anole as a vital hub for Al-Shabaab’s logistical and operational planning:
“Since March, the town had served as a strategic location for the terrorists to plan attacks, store weapons and vehicle-borne IEDs, and erect illegal checkpoints to extort civilians.”
Following the successful operation, AUSSOM and SNA forces have consolidated control of the town and are conducting follow-up operations to eliminate remaining militant pockets in the wider Afgooye District.
The remains of the seven soldiers are expected to be repatriated to Uganda and buried with full military honors.
Uganda has played a frontline role in Somalia’s stabilization since 2007 under the African Union mission. Despite ongoing offensives, Al-Shabaab—affiliated with Al-Qaeda—continues to launch attacks across the country. In 2022, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) transitioned into AUSSOM, shifting focus toward enabling Somali-led security efforts and gradually reducing the presence of foreign troops.
COMMENTS