Somali government forces, alongside African Union troops, successfully repelled a major assault by the Al Shabaab militant group on Friday in the Lower Shabelle region.
The coordinated operation between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ugandan troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) took place in the areas of Sabiib and Canoole.
According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, 18 Al Shabaab fighters were killed in the fighting.
However, the clashes also led to the deaths of four Somali soldiers, while seven others were injured. The joint forces managed to push back the attackers before they could gain a foothold in the area.
The operation was supported by airstrikes carried out by international security partners, targeting militant positions and causing further damage to the terror group.
Ground troops are continuing search operations to find any remaining militants who may have fled.
This latest confrontation comes just weeks after Somali and AU forces reclaimed the strategic villages of Anole and Sabid from Al Shabaab.
These villages, located in the Lower Shabelle province in southwestern Somalia, serve as important military and logistical links in the fight against the terror group.
Al Shabaab has carried out attacks in Somalia for over 16 years, regularly targeting government forces, civilians, and infrastructure.
The group’s efforts to regain lost territory continue to face strong resistance from Somali and allied forces.
Security officials confirmed that forces remain alert and active in the region to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of civilians.