6 Ugandan Soldiers Killed in Clashes in Somalia

At least seven Ugandan soldiers were killed during intense combat with the extremist group al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, according to a statement released by Uganda’s Ministry of Defense on Sunday.

The soldiers were operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which is tasked with stabilising the region and countering the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab militants.

The fatalities occurred during a three-day siege on a town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region. Despite the losses, the Ugandan army confirmed that control of the town was eventually regained from the militants. Army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye stated that the fallen troops were part of a larger mission to repel extremist advances and restore security.

The incident underscores growing concerns about the resurgence of militant activity in the Horn of Africa, as ATMIS continues to face critical challenges including manpower shortages and financial constraints. The mission, which currently comprises approximately 11,146 troops, had previously reported in April its need for an additional 8,000 personnel to sustain operations effectively.

Somalia has been grappling with an insurgency by al-Shabaab for nearly two decades. Although the al-Qaeda-linked group was pushed onto the defensive during 2022 and 2023 by coordinated offensives from Somali forces backed by African Union peacekeepers, recent attacks in major cities have raised alarms about the group’s renewed momentum. 

In March, al-Shabaab attempted to target the motorcade of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, further heightening fears of destabilization.

In a separate development, Somalia’s national security forces announced the successful elimination of 12 al-Shabaab operatives in a targeted raid near Adam Yabal in the Middle Shabelle region. The Somali National News Agency reported that the raid destroyed a key facility used by the militants to stockpile weapons and equipment. The security operation is part of a broader counterinsurgency campaign aimed at disrupting militant networks and preventing future attacks.

Additionally, Somali authorities confirmed the recapture of two key towns—Sibid and Aanole—in the Lower Shabelle region on Saturday. These gains were achieved through a planned military campaign, with Somali forces conducting extensive clearance operations to root out remaining al-Shabaab elements.

For over a decade, Somalia’s security forces have been locked in a protracted battle against al-Shabaab, a group responsible for numerous deadly attacks against civilians and security forces alike.