Over 50 Al Shabab Fighters Killed in Joint AU-Somali Military Operation

Over 50 Al Shabab terrorists were killed and many injured in a joint operation by African Union and Somali forces in Bariire, a strategic town in southern Somalia. The AU dismissed reports of heavy troop casualties and reaffirmed its commitment to restoring peace and reclaiming territories from the militant group.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has reported the killing of more than 50 Al Shabab terrorists in a joint military operation conducted alongside the Somali National Army Forces (SNAF). The offensive took place in the town of Bariire, located in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. According to a statement released by the AU mission on Sunday, a significant number of Al Shabab fighters were also seriously wounded during the coordinated assault.

El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, who serves as the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, reiterated the AU’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Somali government in reclaiming territories still under the control of Al Shabab. He emphasized that the joint forces are determined to retake Bariire and other areas currently held by the insurgent group. Diene stressed that the operation was a crucial step toward restoring lasting peace and security for the Somali people, who have endured years of instability and violence at the hands of the militants.

In the same statement, the AU mission strongly denied recent media reports that claimed heavy casualties had been inflicted on its forces during the operation. AUSSOM dismissed these claims as inaccurate and reaffirmed the effectiveness and professionalism of the troops involved in the mission.

Bariire, the town where the operation took place, is a strategic agricultural hub situated approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. Its location and fertile land make it a valuable asset in the ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and weaken Al Shabab’s grip.

For more than 16 years, Al Shabab has carried out relentless attacks across Somalia, targeting security personnel, government officials, and civilians. The group’s insurgency has disrupted everyday life for millions and posed a persistent threat to national and regional stability. The joint operation in Bariire is part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling the group’s operational capabilities and restoring governance and order in affected regions.