Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – Uganda confirmed that seven of its soldiers were killed during the "Silent Storm" operation, a joint effort by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA) to retake the Anole and Sabid bridges from Al-Shabaab.
AUSSOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General Sam Kavuma, praised the bravery of the Ugandan and Somali troops, focusing on the operation's success in weakening Al-Shabaab's strategic positions. "AUSSOM is fully committed to the Somali Transition Plan," he said, emphasizing the goal of transferring security responsibilities to Somali forces.
The operation, which began on June 14, aimed to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s control over key infrastructure. Despite the loss of seven Ugandan soldiers, the mission is seen as a significant step in counterterrorism efforts and restoring stability to the region.
The Anole and Sabid bridges are vital strategic points in southern Somalia. These bridges serve as key transportation and logistics corridors for both military and civilian use. By controlling these areas, Al-Shabaab has been able to limit access, disrupt supply routes, and exert control over large portions of the Lower Shabelle region. Regaining these bridges is crucial to weakening the group's operational capacity and ensuring safer routes for the Somali government and humanitarian aid.
