AUSSOM, SNAF Forces Reclaim Key Somali Villages

(MENAFN) The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), working in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), has reclaimed the vital areas of Sabiid and Anole in southern Somalia from the militant group al-Shabab, according to an announcement made on Sunday.

The AU mission revealed in a statement from Mogadishu that the gains were achieved during a coordinated three-day offensive dubbed "Operation Silent Storm." The campaign specifically targeted al-Shabab-controlled zones in the Lower Shabelle region.

Brigadier Joseph Ssemwanga, commander of AUSSOM’s Sector One, confirmed the coalition's intent to carry out similar operations in Middle Shabelle until the extremist threat is fully neutralized.

"Sabiid-Anole has become a strategic location since March, where terrorists plan deadly attacks, conceal ammunition, including vehicles for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, and establish illegal checkpoints to extort locals," Ssemwanga stated.

Throughout the joint assault, several al-Shabab operatives were killed following a sustained siege on their strongholds scattered across the targeted villages, the mission reported.

In addition to regaining control of the area, the forces also confiscated a large cache of ammunition from retreating militants and successfully cleared improvised explosive devices that had been laid in civilian areas and on main transport routes.

General Sam Kavuma, the AUSSOM Force Commander, reaffirmed the mission's alignment with the broader Somalia Transition Plan, which involves handing over security duties to local forces.

"I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army in degrading al-Shabab," Kavuma declared.

Sahal Abdullahi Omar, head of the Somali National Army’s land forces, echoed the mission’s success, stating that "Operation Silent Storm" effectively dismantled al-Shabab’s grip on Sabiid and Anole.

Currently, the allied forces are focused on fortifying the regained areas and eradicating any remaining militant cells within the Afgooye District of Lower Shabelle.

According to AUSSOM, the ultimate goal of the operation is to weaken and eventually eliminate al-Shabab from both Lower Shabelle and surrounding regions.

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