Seven soldiers who are members of Ugandan Peace Keeping troops in Somalia were killed in a fighting against Al-Shabab fighters in which the Somali troops backed by Ugandan troops dislodged Al-shabab from Sabiid and Anole settlement in Lower Shabelle province. This was confirmed by the Spokesman of Ugandan People’s Defense Forces, Major General Felix Kulayigye.
The soldiers who died were part of mobilized operation dubbed “Silent Storm” in which the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia launched against Al-Shabab fighters.
During the armed clashes, at least 30 Al-Shabab fighters were killed, and the Somali troops backed by Ugandan soldiers seized large cache of weapons; dismantled extensive network of underground tunnels used to store explosives and coordinate attacks. AUSSOM Commander, Lt. General Sam Kavuma lauded the efforts made by the coalition forces from the Horn of Africa. The soldiers were killed during fierce fighting that took place in Sabiid and Anole settlement.
The coalition forces used force to overpower Al-Shabab fighters and dislodged them from their hideouts. Brigadier Joseph Musoke, Commander of Armored Forces of Ugandan People’s Defense Forces pointed out that Sabiid and Anole settlement was a logistic center in which Al-Shabab planned their attacks.
He disclosed that a tough action was taken against Al-Shabab. He said: “I congratulate on the bravery of the AUSSOM troops particularly the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces and the Somali National Army (SNA). This operation was part of the efforts which are aimed to weaken the capacity of Al-Shabab.”
He said:” Starting from March, the settlement has become a strategic center for Al-Shabab in which they planned their operations, coordinate suicide attacks and pass on explosive-laden vehicles.” The corpses of the seven Ugandan troops will be flown back to Uganda in which they will be buried in their homeland. Uganda plays a huge role in the stabilization of Somalia since 2007.
