Somali, AU troops drive Al Shabaab from two stronghold towns

Somali armed forces and Ugandan troops serving under the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia on Monday recaptured two towns in southern Somalia described as “strongholds and safe havens” for Al Shabaab terrorists.

The offensive on the strategic locations began on February 28. By March 2, the militants had fled the towns, Captain Edrin Mawanda, spokesperson for the Ugandan contingent in the AU mission, told The EastAfrican.

A statement from the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (Aussom) said the operation was conducted with international partners, resulting in the full capture and securing of two Al Shabaab locations – Daarusalaam and Mubarak – in the Lower Shabelle region.

The recapture brings the number of towns recovered from the Al Qaeda affiliate to eight since operations began mid last year, highlighting the extent of territory the militant group had seized from Somali forces during a brief surge that year.

“This achievement reflects the growing capability, determination and professionalism of Somali security forces, alongside Aussom troops, both supported by international partners. The liberation of Daarusalaam and Mubarak sends a clear message that terrorist strongholds will not endure in the face of our unified and sustained action,” said El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the Head of Aussom.

Conducted under Operation Rolling Thunder as part of the broader Operation Badr during the holy month of Ramadan, the offensive aims to dismantle key Al Shabaab strongholds, cut off routes used for terrorist activities, weaken the group’s operational capacity, and protect civilians and strategic sectors.

In January, another joint operation – led by the Somali National Armed Forces, with Aussom troops in support and backed by international partners’ intelligence and airpower – secured the coastal towns of Dhanaane, Gendershe and Jilib-Marka.

The offensives to dislodge Al Shabaab and retake bases previously overrun by the Al Qaeda affiliate began in June last year, when joint forces liberated three key bridge towns – Sabiid-Anole, Bariire and Awdheegle – all in the Lower Shabelle region.

Compared with other regions of Somalia where Al Shabaab gained territory, operations in Lower Shabelle have succeeded due to a convergence of factors, including strong local intelligence, coordinated Somali-Aussom planning, favourable terrain and force posture, Mr Diene said.

“Aussom remains steadfast in its mandate to support the Federal Government of Somalia in defeating Al-Shabaab, protecting the Somali people, extending state authority, and advancing Somali-led peace and stability. Together, we will continue to intensify operations to eliminate all remaining terrorist sanctuaries,” he said.