Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), together with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), have successfully recaptured Awdheegle town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region. The joint operation, which concluded on Sunday, 5 October 2025, marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight to eliminate Al-Shabaab militants from the region.
The battle for Awdheegle was part of the third phase of Operation Silent Storm, a large-scale campaign aimed at weakening and dismantling Al-Shabaab’s control in southern Somalia. After several days of intense fighting, the combined forces cleared the town, flushing out militants from their hideouts, trenches, and tunnels. The troops inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists, captured several of them alive, and recovered weapons including submachine guns, PKMs, RPGs, sniper rifles, and large amounts of ammunition abandoned by fleeing fighters.
This latest success builds on earlier victories in Bariire, Sabiid, and Anole towns, which were also reclaimed from Al-Shabaab in previous phases of the operation. Together, these gains strengthen AUSSOM’s efforts to restore peace and stability in the Lower Shabelle region and to support the Somali government in regaining control of key areas long held by insurgents.
AUSSOM Force Commander Lt Gen Sam Kavuma praised the troops for their courage and professionalism, saying, “I commend the brave efforts of our gallant AUSSOM-UPDF troops and the Somali National Armed Forces for their dedication in degrading Al-Shabaab. This success brings us closer to achieving the Somali Transition Plan and transferring full security responsibilities to Somali forces.”
Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, Commander of Sector One, described the victory as a major blow to Al-Shabaab’s operations in Lower Shabelle. He noted that Awdheegle had been a strategic hub for terrorist activities — including attacks, storage of ammunition, and assembling Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). The capture of the town, he said, will greatly reduce the militants’ ability to threaten nearby communities.
Following the liberation of Awdheegle, UPDF and Somali forces are now consolidating their hold on the area and clearing any remaining pockets of resistance in the wider district. Col Awiny Akena, the commander of the third phase of Operation Silent Storm, has also engaged local elders in a Key Leader Engagement (KLE) to address community needs and promote cooperation between the military and civilians.
Operation Silent Storm, launched on 10 June 2025, has progressed steadily through its shaping, decisive, and sustainment phases. With the capture of Awdheegle, the mission has now reclaimed several key towns and strengthened hopes for a more secure and stable Somalia.
The UPDF and AUSSOM leadership reaffirmed their commitment to continue working closely with Somali authorities and international partners to ensure that peace and stability take firm root across Somalia. The liberation of Awdheegle stands as a testament to the bravery, resilience, and professionalism of the UPDF and its allies in the ongoing struggle against terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
