The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), in coordination with Ugandan troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, have repelled an attempted attack by al Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region, killing more than 40 fighters.
According to a press release issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Defence on March 26, 2026, the joint forces inflicted a “heavy defeat” on the militants, who had targeted the strategic town of Mubarak during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Mogadishu – 26, March, 2026: The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), in cooperation with Ugandan AUSSOM forces, inflicted a heavy defeat on al Shabaab terrorists who attempted to launch an attack on Mubarak in the Lower Shabelle region,” the statement read.
The Ministry said that during the operation, over 40 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, while several others sustained injuries as government forces moved swiftly to neutralize the threat.
The offensive marks one of the latest engagements in ongoing efforts to degrade the militant group’s operational capacity in southern Somalia.
“Mubarak is among the strategic areas liberated from terrorists during the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement added, underscoring the town’s significance in military operations aimed at reclaiming territory from insurgents.
Authorities indicated that stabilisation efforts are already underway in the area, including the restoration of essential services and the reopening of key supply routes that had previously been blocked by the militants.
The reopening of roads is expected to ease movement for civilians and facilitate humanitarian and economic activities in the region.
The Somali government has, in recent months, intensified its campaign against al Shabaab, with increased coordination between national forces and African Union peacekeepers.
The collaboration has been central to regaining control of territories previously held by the insurgent group, which has waged a prolonged insurgency against the federal government.
In its statement, the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining military pressure on the group to ensure long-term security and stability.
“The Ministry of Defence and the SNAF Command will continue sustained operations against al Shabaab to ensure the security of civilians and eliminate terrorist elements wherever they attempt to hide,” the statement said.
Security analysts note that operations in Lower Shabelle are critical due to the region’s proximity to the capital, Mogadishu, and its role as a key agricultural and logistical hub.
Control of such is seen as vital in weakening the militants’ supply chains and limiting their ability to stage attacks.
Despite recent gains by Somali and allied forces, al Shabaab continues to pose a significant security challenge, frequently launching asymmetric attacks targeting both military installations and civilian infrastructure.
The latest operation, however, highlights what officials describe as improved coordination and intelligence-sharing between Somali forces and international partners, which they say is yielding measurable results on the battlefield.
As operations continue, the government has reiterated its focus on not only military victories but also stabilization and reconstruction, aimed at preventing the return of militant influence in liberated areas.
The Ministry emphasised that sustained pressure and community cooperation remain key to ensuring that recently secured remain under government control.
