AUSSOM-UPDF And Somali Forces Recapture Awdheegle Town From Al-Shabaab

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have successfully recaptured Awdheegle town in Lower Shabelle region. The operation concluded today, Sunday, 5 October 2025.

The military campaign, the third phase of Operation Silent Storm, marks a major milestone in ongoing efforts to weaken and dismantle Al-Shabaab’s presence in the region. Following days of combined arms offensives and sieges, joint forces cleared the town of Al-Shabaab fighters, flushing them from hideouts, trenches, and tunnels.

During the operation, the forces inflicted significant casualties on the militants, capturing others and recovering weapons, including submachine guns, PKMs, RPGs, sniper rifles, and caches of live ammunition abandoned by retreating terrorists.

The success follows the earlier recapture of Bariire, Sabiid, and Anole towns, consolidating gains by AUSSOM and Somali forces in Lower Shabelle.

AUSSOM Force Commander, Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, praised the joint forces, stating, “I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM UPDF troops and the Somali National Armed Forces to degrade Al-Shabaab. AUSSOM remains fully committed to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, culminating in the transfer of security responsibilities to Somali forces.”

Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Sector One Commander, described the capture of Awdheegle as a significant blow to Al-Shabaab. “This is a major achievement for AUSSOM, the Somali Government, and the local population. I thank our troops for their resilience and bravery that ensured the defeat of the terrorists in Awdheegle town,” he said.

Awdheegle had become a strategic base for Al-Shabaab operations, including attacks, concealment of ammunition and vehicles for Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), and the establishment of illegal checkpoints to extort locals.

Joint forces are currently holding the town and clearing remaining pockets of resistance in the Awdheegle district, Malable, and surrounding areas. Col Awiny Akena, Operation Commander of the third phase, engaged local elders through a Key Leader Engagement (KLE) to address grievances and community needs.

Operation Silent Storm, launched on 10 June 2025, has progressed through shaping, decisive, and sustainment phases. The operation has systematically reclaimed key strategic towns: Sabiid and Anole on 21 July, Bariire on 8 August, and now Awdheegle, reinforcing efforts to create a safer and more secure Somalia.