By Horn Africa News
Mogadishu – The Force Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), General Sam Kavuma, has visited the strategic town of Bariire, recently liberated from Al-Shabaab control after a two-week military operation.
During his visit, General Kavuma commended the joint efforts of AUSSOM troops, led by the Ugandan contingent, and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).
He described the victory as “a major step forward in advancing peace and security in Somalia.”
Accompanied by senior officers, the Force Commander underscored the importance of close cooperation between AUSSOM and Somalia’s federal forces in defeating the Al-Shabaab threat.
Somali National Army (SNA) Land Forces Commander, Brigadier General Khalid Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to AUSSOM and international partners for their continued support of operations led by Somali forces. He stressed that reinforcing security cooperation remains essential for sustaining recent gains.
Ugandan Contingent Commander under AUSSOM, General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, reaffirmed AUSSOM’s commitment to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, which outlines the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from African Union forces to Somali security institutions.
Bariire, located in the Lower Shabelle region, was liberated last Friday in a large-scale offensive jointly conducted by AUSSOM, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), and SNAF. Military officials view the operation as strategically significant, paving the way for securing other key areas in the region.
