By Horn Africa News
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), recently renamed the African Union Somalia Support Mission (AUSSOM), announced today that its joint forces with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) have successfully repelled a coordinated dawn assault by the extremist group Al-Shabaab on military bases in the towns of Sabiid and Anole in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region
The attack, which occurred early this morning, targeted strategic military outposts that had been liberated from Al-Shabaab militants during operations conducted in June this year. According to AUSSOM’s official statement, the joint forces responded swiftly and bravely, forcing the attackers into retreat after intense clashes.
During the firefight, several Al-Shabaab fighters were reportedly killed, while others sustained serious injuries. Additionally, government forces seized a cache of weapons and ammunition left behind by the fleeing militants. AUSSOM confirmed that all targeted bases remain firmly under the control of Somali and AU troops, and that security operations are ongoing in the surrounding areas to track down remnants of the attackers and their collaborators.
“This latest attempted assault is yet another sign of Al-Shabaab’s desperation as we continue to dismantle their network,” the statement read. “AUSSOM reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the safety, protection, and long-term security of the people of Sabiid-Anole and its environs. Today’s operations are part of sustained efforts to degrade the group’s capacity and restore lasting peace and governance in Lower Shabelle.”
The offensive comes as part of the broader AU and Somali-led stabilization campaign, which aims to reclaim territory and reinforce governance across south-central Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat despite territorial losses in recent months.
Security analysts say the successful repulsion of the attack is a testament to the improving coordination between international partners and Somali security forces, though they caution that Al-Shabaab remains capable of launching asymmetric attacks, particularly in rural and transitional areas.
