Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) - The African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Army have jointly launched a new military campaign in southern Somalia on Sunday, dubbed Operation "Silent Storm", targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Lower Shabelle region.
Announced by Somalia’s State Minister for Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, the operation marks a renewed phase of cooperation between Somali and international forces following AUSSOM’s expanded re-engagement in direct combat operations.
The campaign, which has already begun in areas surrounding Sabid and Anole, aims to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational presence in rural areas and disrupt its ability to carry out attacks. According to the Ministry of Defence, early phases of the operation have resulted in the capture of several militants, the seizure of weapons, and the destruction of key militant hideouts.
“Operation Silent Storm is proceeding as planned,” Minister Abdi stated. “Our forces, in close coordination with AUSSOM units, have delivered significant blows to the enemy. This campaign is part of a broader strategy to liberate southern Somalia from the grip of extremist violence.”
Officials also confirmed that Al-Shabaab recently destroyed a key bridge in the region using landmines—an act condemned by Somali authorities as part of the group’s systematic effort to disrupt civilian infrastructure. The Minister vowed that such actions would not go unanswered.
AUSSOM’s involvement in "Silent Storm" marks a notable development in the mission’s mandate. Initially designed as a post-conflict stabilization force, AUSSOM is now engaging more actively in offensive operations following increasing security threats in Somalia’s southern regions.
Local militia groups, particularly the Mawisley, have also played a supportive role in the ongoing campaign, aiding national and regional forces in clearing hostile territory.
The launch of Operation Silent Storm comes just weeks before Somalia's 65th Independence anniversary, a milestone Somali authorities hope to mark with renewed progress in reclaiming territory and restoring state authority in conflict-affected areas.
