More Than 70 Al-Shabab Fighters Killed in Battle With AU, Somali Forces

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over 70 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed Sunday, officials said, confirming the latest confrontation between the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Khawarij fighters, who are trying to overthrow the government.

The confrontation, first reported on Friday in Barire town, left many fighters dead as AUSSOM forces from the Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) engaged the militants in ground combat, lasting for several hours, the African Union said.

The African Union contingent and their Somali National Army (SNA) did not suffer immense losses as proclaimed by the militants, who first issued a statement claiming to have inflicted significant casualties.

"AUSSOM wishes to clarify that its forces, in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), initiated a major offensive to recapture Bariire town on Aug. 1," the AU mission said, responding to claims made by al-Shabab regarding the destruction of AU-owned armored personnel carriers and the retreat of AUSSOM troops following intense fighting in Bariire.

"The joint military operation has resulted in substantial losses for the terrorist group, with over 50 al-Shabab militants killed and many others sustaining serious injuries," AUSSOM said.

The state media confirmed that the confrontation left two Somali National Army soldiers dead, adding that the operation was dubbed "Silent Storm". At least 12 soldiers were critically injured and are receiving advanced treatment in AUSSOM facilities.

The agriculturally rich Bariire town, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River. The fighting continued for the better part of Monday.

"AUSSOM and SNAF troops are determined to recapture Bariire town and other territories still under al-Shabab control to ensure lasting peace and security for the people of Somalia," said El Hadji Ibrahima Boly Diene, special representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia and head of AUSSOM.

The federal troops and those from the African Union are fighting to recapture several towns, which have since been retaken by the al-Shabaab fighters. Most recently, Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, and Mahas towns were recaptured by the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE