Joint Forces Liberate Strategic Somali Town of Bariire from al-Shabaab
Mogadishu, Somalia – August 9, 2025 – In a significant blow to the militant group al-Shabaab, joint forces comprising the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) operating under the African Union banner and the Somali National Army (SNA) have successfully recaptured the strategic town of Bariire in Lower Shabelle region. The liberation follows an intense three-week battle against the Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujāhideen.
The capture of Bariire marks the second major town in Lower Shabelle freed from the grip of the violent extremist group by UPDF forces in recent months, following the liberation of Sabid-Anole in June 2025. Its recapture is considered strategically vital due to its proximity to the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
The UPDF contingent is deployed as part of the transitional African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). AUSSOM is designed as a stabilization mechanism, with the core objective of progressively transferring full security responsibility to Somali-led forces, primarily the SNA.
Al-Shabaab’s persistent presence and resurgence in areas near Mogadishu had increasingly threatened to destabilize the relative security gains made in the capital in recent years. This persistent threat directly prompted the ongoing counteroffensive being conducted by the combined African Union and Somali National Army troops against the internationally recognized terrorist organization.
Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, confirmed the town’s liberation today, highlighting the prolonged and fierce nature of the engagement required to dislodge the militants from their positions in Bariire.
The operation underscores the continued commitment of both the African Union and the Federal Government of Somalia to degrade al-Shabaab’s capabilities and extend state authority and security throughout the country.
By: Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (UPDF)
