MOGADISHU, Aug 8 – Somali government forces, backed by troops from the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), recaptured the strategic town of Barire in the Lower Shabelle region on Friday, the defence ministry said.
The operation followed weeks of military planning after Al-Shabaab fighters seized the town in March. Located about 50 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu, Barire has long been a key target due to its strategic position linking southern and central Somalia.
Government forces advanced cautiously after encountering multiple roadside bombs that killed both Somali soldiers and AU peacekeepers, prompting a slower push toward the town, officials said.
“Over 100 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, and several others were captured alive during the joint operation,” the defence ministry said in a statement, hailing the advance as a significant step in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.
Somalia has intensified military operations against the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group in recent months, with support from AUSSOM and international partners, in a bid to regain control over rural areas still under extremist control.
