In a significant military victory, Somali Armed Forces, supported by African Union (AU) troops from Uganda, have recaptured the strategic town of Barire in the Lower Shabelle region after intense clashes with Al-Shabaab militants.
The operation, which lasted over a week, resulted in the deaths of more than 120 militants, with many others injured or captured, according to the Somali Defense Ministry. The troops also seized weapons and ammunition during the offensive.
“With the Almighty’s grace, our gallant forces eliminated the terrorists, despite their attempts to halt the operation using explosives,” a ministry statement said.
The recapture of Barire comes as a morale boost for Somali forces after recent setbacks, including the loss of key towns such as Abanyal Noori and Tardo to Al-Shabaab. Analysts attribute these losses to political tensions surrounding proposed constitutional changes by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, particularly concerning the electoral model.
“Every time the country nears an election period, security becomes unstable. Areas are captured and then abandoned,” one analyst noted. “The government must employ new stabilization tactics to secure gains.”
Authorities have accused Al-Shabaab of intensifying propaganda efforts to destabilize the country. “The terrorist group is using media and foreign entities to push its agenda, but their defeat in Barire proves they will not succeed,” officials stated.
Residents reported calm in Barire following the operation, but the broader battle for control of militant-held areas continues. The Somali government has vowed to reclaim lost territories amid ongoing instability in central regions.
