AUSSOM Force Commander Applauds Troops for Major Victory in Bariire

The Force Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, has praised joint forces for successfully recapturing Bariire town from Al-Shabaab terrorists in a decisive operation.

Visiting the frontline on Saturday, 9 August, Lt Gen Kavuma commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under AUSSOM and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) for their effective role in the mission. “Today I have come to see, congratulate, and appreciate you for the work you have done since you came here, up to yesterday when you were able to dislodge Al-Shabaab from Bariire,” he told the troops. “Once we cooperate and work together, Al-Shabaab will never defeat us.”

The operation, codenamed Operation Silent Storm, involved a coordinated ground assault that uprooted the terrorists from hideouts, trenches, and tunnels. Bariire had served as a key base for the Al-Shabaab, where they planned attacks, stored weapons, staged illegal checkpoints, and prepared vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs).

The operation inflicted heavy casualties on the group, leaving more than 100 fighters dead, over 50 wounded, and several captured.

Recovered weaponry included 30 submachine guns, six PKM machine guns, eight RPG launchers, a 60mm mortar, eight sniper rifles, a black Al-Shabaab flag, communication devices, mortar bombs, and a cache of live ammunition.

Speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC), the AUSSOM leadership, and the entire mission, Lt Gen Kavuma lauded the forces for “a mission well done” while reminding them that “the struggle continues.”

SNAF’s Commander of Land Forces, Brig Gen Khalid Abdullahi, described the operation as “a great operation and work,” underscoring the strong partnership between AUSSOM, SNAF, and allied forces.

Sector One Commander, Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, hailed the liberation of Bariire as “another huge blow to Al-Shabaab and a major achievement for AUSSOM, SNAF, the Somali Government, and the locals.” He commended the resilience and courage of the troops that led to the liberation of the town.

The operation was led by Col Kosia Kuteesa, commander of Battle Group XLII, who expressed gratitude to both the AUSSOM Force Commander and SNAF leadership for their guidance and support.

The capture of Bariire follows earlier victories in Sabiid and Anole, retaken on 21 June 2025.

Joint forces are now consolidating control, securing Bariire, and clearing remaining militant pockets in the Lower Shabelle region.