Four Soldiers Killed as Somali, AU Forces Repel al-Shabaab Attack in Lower Shabelle

Four Soldiers Killed as Somali, AU Forces Repel al-Shabaab Attack in Lower Shabelle
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Four Somali soldiers were killed and seven wounded in clashes with al-Shabaab militants after an attempted attack in the Lower Shabelle region was repelled on Friday, Anadolu Agency reported. The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by the Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF) under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), successfully thwarted the assault in the Sabiib and Canoole areas, killing 18 terrorists, according to a Defense Ministry statement.

The ministry said the national forces were on high alert and responded swiftly to prevent the militants from penetrating the area. Pursuit operations are ongoing to locate any remaining insurgents. Vital support came from international security partners, who conducted aerial strikes that inflicted heavy damage on al-Shabaab fighters.

This comes after nearly two months of intense fighting, during which Somali and AUSSOM forces reclaimed the strategic villages of Anole and Sabid in late June. These locations serve as important military assets and links in the southwest Lower Shabelle province.

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targeting security personnel, officials, and civilians. The latest clashes highlight ongoing efforts by Somali and allied forces to stabilize the region and counter the militant threat.