Monday, June 23, 2025 —HAN
Seven Ugandan soldiers serving under the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia were killed in a recent battle against the militant group Al-Shabaab in the Sabiid and Canoole areas of Lower Shabelle region, according to Uganda’s Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Major General Felix Kulayigye.
The fallen soldiers were part of a joint military operation involving the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Stabilization Support Operations Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), under an offensive named Operation Silent Storm. The operation resulted in the killing of 30 Al-Shabaab fighters, the recovery of a cache of weapons, and the destruction of several improvised explosive device (IED) stockpiles.
According to an official statement from the Ugandan Ministry of Defence, Ugandan troops recovered large quantities of arms and dismantled multiple explosive-laden devices that had been buried by the militants in the area.
Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, the Commander of AUSSOM, praised the courage and coordination of the joint forces from across the Horn of Africa. “I commend the bravery of our AUSSOM forces, particularly the Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army. This operation is a critical step in weakening Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities,” Kavuma said.
The fierce battle lasted approximately 15 minutes and took place during a raid on Al-Shabaab hideouts in the Sabiid and Canoole area. Joint forces stormed underground bunkers used by the militants, destroying a network of tunnels that had served as shelters and planning centers for attacks.
Brigadier General Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of Uganda’s First Division, described Sabiid and Canoole as a major logistics and command hub for Al-Shabaab. “Since March, this area has served as a strategic base where terrorists planned suicide attacks, weapon movements, and explosive-laden vehicle operations,” he stated.
The bodies of the seven fallen peacekeepers will be repatriated to Uganda for burial. Uganda has been a frontline contributor to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia since 2007, playing a vital role in stabilizing the region.
