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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), have successfully driven al-Shabaab militants out of Sabiid-Anole town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region. This achievement came through a joint operation with the Somali National Army (SNA).

According to a UPDF statement issued on June 22, 2025, the mission—code-named “Operation Silent Storm”—was launched after a three-day siege, forcing the terrorists out of their hideouts and underground tunnels.

“During the assault, 30 al-Shabaab fighters were eliminated in a coordinated combined-arms operation. The UPDF recovered a cache of weapons and dismantled several Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) laid by the militants,” the statement noted.

AUSSOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma praised the troops for their bravery and effectiveness in reclaiming the area.

“I salute the courage of our gallant AUSSOM-UPDF forces and the Somali National Army. This operation demonstrates our continued commitment to weakening al-Shabaab and supporting Somalia’s transition plan, which will eventually see security responsibilities handed over to Somali forces,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of AUSSOM’s Sector One, described Sabiid-Anole as a strategic hub for al-Shabaab operations.

“Since March, this town had become a key location for terrorist planning, weapons storage, and vehicle-borne IED preparations. It also served as a site for illegal checkpoints where civilians were extorted,” he explained.

Following the operation, AUSSOM and SNA forces have maintained control over the recaptured territory and are working to eliminate remaining militant pockets in Afgooye District.

The operation uncovered multiple underground hideouts used by the militants. However, the offensive came at a cost.

“Sadly, we lost seven of our soldiers during the battle,” UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye confirmed.

AUSSOM, which replaced the former ATMIS peacekeeping force, currently comprises 11,146 troops, though officials in April indicated that an additional 8,000 troops are needed to meet operational demands.

Somalia continues to grapple with a long-standing Islamist insurgency. While al-Shabaab was significantly weakened by Somali and African Union forces in 2022 and 2023, recent attacks in urban centers have raised concerns about a possible resurgence. In March, the militants attempted to target Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in an attack on his convoy in Mogadishu.