Somalia Hails Capture of Strategic Town From Al-Shabaab After Major Battle

BARIRE, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) Ground Forces commander Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar visited Barire town, a day after liberation from the Al-Shabaab militants who suffered heavy casualties in the process, on Friday.

The victory, which came with the tragic loss of dozens of soldiers, has been documented as one of the most decisive victories against Al-Shabaab in recent months, after a series of losses in various frontlines across the country.

At Barire, General Sahal Omar visited various battle sites where he also reviewed weapons and ammunition seized during the fight. He also toured facilities holding captured Alshabaab fighters who are being interrogated by authorities.

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) serving in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) also participated in the battle, helping the local forces to conquer the town, which had been under the militants for months.

He urged troops to remain vigilant and complete clearance operations to block any al-Shabaab attempts to re-enter the town.

According to the Defence Ministry, at least 100 militants died during the battle, while several others were captured during the joint operations spearheaded by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

Bariire, a strategic agricultural hub located 73 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, was seized along with a cache of weapons and supplies. The military had lost Moqokori, Mahas, and several other strategic towns in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE