MOGADISHU, June 23 (NNN-XINHUA) — The African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have recaptured strategic locations of Sabiid and Anole in the southern region from al-Shabab, the AU mission said.
AUSSOM said in a statement issued in the Somali capital of Mogadishu that the move followed a three-day joint operation code-named “Operation Silent Storm,” aimed at liberating areas under al-Shabab control in the Lower Shabelle Region.
AUSSOM Sector One Commander Joseph Ssemwanga emphasised that joint operations will continue in Middle Shabelle until al-Shabab threats are effectively addressed.
“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 said.
During the joint operation, several al-Shabab fighters were neutralized during a prolonged siege of their hideouts in various parts of the villages, AUSSOM said.
The AU mission said the forces also seized a substantial amount of ammunition from fleeing militants, clearing improvised explosive devices planted in communities and supply routes.
AUSSOM Force Commander Sam Kavuma said the pan-African mission is fully committed to implementing the Somalia Transition Plan, which will culminate in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces.
“I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army in degrading al-Shabab,” Kavuma said.
Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the Somali National Army’s land forces, also confirmed that “Operation Silent Storm” successfully dismantled al-Shabab’s presence in the two villages.
The allied forces are currently securing the recaptured villages and clearing remaining pockets of al-Shabab terrorists in Lower Shabelle’s Afgooye District.
The operation aims to degrade and eliminate terrorists from Lower Shabelle and neighboring areas, the AU mission said. — NNN-XINHUA
