18 Al-Shabaab militants killed as Somali and Ugandan forces repel assault
The Somali National Army (SNA), together with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), fought off the early morning attack around 6:20am in the Sabiib and Canoole areas.
Somalia’s national army, working in coordination with Ugandan forces under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), successfully repelled a deadly Al-Shabaab assault in the Lower Shabelle region on Friday morning, killing 18 militants in a fierce exchange.
According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the Somali National Army (SNA), together with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), fought off the early morning attack around 6:20 am in the Sabiib and Canoole areas.
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The forces were said to be “on high alert and fully prepared,” enabling them to respond swiftly and disrupt the terrorist plot.
The confrontation left 18 members of Al-Shabaab dead, and follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the remaining militants.
However, four SNA soldiers lost their lives during the operation, while seven others sustained injuries. The Ministry said medical aid was immediately administered to the wounded soldiers.
“The Ministry of Defence fully commends the bravery and resilience demonstrated by the SNA on the battlefield,” the statement reads.
“These forces stood firm in defence of the people and succeeded in defeating the enemy’s attack.”
The Ministry also recognised the role of international allies in the operation, stating that “the Ministry also acknowledges and appreciates the vital support provided by our international partners through aerial strikes that inflicted heavy damage on Al-Shabaab militants.”
The Ministry concluded by reaffirming Somalia’s stance in the war against extremism.
“Once again, the Ministry reiterates the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia to combat terrorism, secure the entire country, and ensure that the Somali people live in peace and dignity.”
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