By Urban Shihemi , January 15, 2026

More than 30 Al-Shabaab militants were killed on Thursday during a joint military operation conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) in coordination with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and international partners in Lower Shabelle region.

According to a press statement released by AUSSOM, the operation took place in the vicinity of the Bulunagaad Forward Operating Base (FOB) following multiple engagements with Al-Shabaab fighters. The offensive was supported by air assets and involved coordinated ground and aerial strikes.

“Through coordinated ground and air offensives, over 30 Al-Shabaab militants were put out of action, while several others sustained injuries,” the statement said.

The joint forces were responding to earlier attacks by the militants targeting SNA and AUSSOM personnel who were conducting pursuit operations against Al-Shabaab remnants. The fighters had reportedly been dislodged from the coastal towns of Gendershe and along the Jilib–Marka axis during SNA-led operations codenamed Operation Hidden Sword.

Security officials noted that the swift response by the joint forces was aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats targeting both security personnel and civilians in the area.

The Somali National Army and AUSSOM reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilian lives, maintaining security, and ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian assistance and logistics supplies to local communities.

The statement further indicated that joint forces will continue operations to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and to promote lasting peace, stability, and security across Somalia.