After three weeks of tough battles, the important town of Bariire in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region has been freed from the control of the militant group al-Shabaab. The victory was achieved by the combined forces of Uganda’s UPDF and the Somali National Army (SNA). This success follows the earlier recapture of Sabid-Anole in June 2025, making Bariire the second town the UPDF has helped free from al-Shabaab in the area.
The UPDF is working under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission supports Somalia’s security and plans to hand over full control to Somali forces led by the SNA in the future. The cooperation between these forces shows a strong regional effort to help Somalia regain peace and security.
Al-Shabaab’s return to areas close to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, threatened the safety of the city and its people. Because of this danger, AU and Somali troops launched a serious counterattack to push the militants out. Taking back Bariire is a key step in stopping al-Shabaab’s spread and protecting the capital and nearby communities.
Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces in Uganda, highlighted the importance of this victory. He said the fight against al-Shabaab will continue until peace is fully restored.
This win brings hope to the people of Somalia and shows that teamwork between African nations can defeat terror and help rebuild safer communities.
