Ugandan, Somali forces kill over 100 Al-Shabaab militants in Bariire Offensive

Ugandan and Somali troops have killed more than 100 fighters from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in a joint operation to capture Bariire, a key stronghold in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.

The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) announced that its soldiers, working alongside Somali forces, seized control of Bariire on August 8, 2025, during “Operation Silent Storm,” an ongoing military campaign targeting Al-Shabaab bases.

“Our forces inflicted heavy losses on Al-Shabaab—over 100 militants were killed, more than 50 injured, and several captured in the second phase of Operation Silent Storm to take Bariire, following earlier victories in Sabiid and Anole in Lower Shabelle,” the UPDF statement read.

Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, commander of the Ugandan contingent in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), described the capture as a major blow to the militant group.

“The fall of Bariire is another significant defeat for Al-Shabaab and a milestone achievement for Ugandan troops under ATMIS, Somali forces, the Somali government, and the people,” he said.

At least 17 soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were killed in the offensive, including six who died earlier this week following a suicide car bomb (VBIED) attack.

Bariire had served as a strategic operations hub for Al-Shabaab, where the group planned attacks and stockpiled weapons, ammunition, and vehicles. Ugandan troops recovered 30 SMG rifles, six PKM machine guns, four RPG launchers, eight sniper rifles, and large quantities of ammunition during the raid.

Military officials say operations will continue in Lower Shabelle to dismantle remaining militant hideouts and secure the region.