The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) jointly thwarted an attack by al Shabaab militants on military bases in Sabiid-Anole town, located southwest of the capital Mogadishu.
“The joint forces successfully repelled the terrorists, forcing them to retreat swiftly. During the engagement, several militants were neutralised and several weapons were seized from the fleeing militants,” AUSSOM said over the weekend in a statement.
AUSSOM said a group of al Shabaab militants attempted to attack Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) manned by its troops and SNAF forces in Sabiid-Anole town.
It said the joint forces maintained control of the targeted FOBs, which were liberated from al Shabaab in June.
A major military operation is currently underway to locate and apprehend the remaining militants and their allies.
According to AUSSOM, the joint forces have intensified operations in recent times to degrade al Shabaab’s presence in the Lower Shabelle region and liberate the remaining towns under their control.
Eyewitnesses said the assault erupted with a series of explosions in nearby villages before the two sides exchanged gunfire.
Meanwhile, the mission assured the safety and security of residents of Sabiid-Anole town and the surrounding areas.
Sabiid-Anole town, in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, is one of the strategic objectives that is now under the control of the allied troops.
The incident came as the joint forces have intensified operations recently to weaken al-Shabab in the southern region and put the remaining towns under their control.
MG/as/APA