By Spy Uganda
Bariire, a key town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, has been successfully retaken from the militant group al-Shabaab following a joint offensive by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Somali National Army (SNA) troops.
The liberation, announced today, comes after an intense three-week battle that pitted African Union and Somali forces against entrenched al-Shabaab fighters. Bariire becomes the second town in the region to fall to the joint forces this year, following the June 2025 liberation of Sabid-Anole.
Operating under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), UPDF troops have been working alongside the SNA to reclaim territory from the resurgent terrorist group and restore stability. AUSSOM, a transitional mechanism, aims to strengthen Somali security forces to take full control of the nation’s defense in the near future.
Bariire’s location made it a high-value target for both sides. Situated not far from Mogadishu, the town had been a staging ground for al-Shabaab activities, threatening to destabilize the Somali capital after years of relative calm. Military officials say its recapture will significantly weaken the militants’ ability to launch operations in the region.
“The liberation of Bariire is a testament to the resilience and coordination between UPDF and SNA forces,” a military spokesperson said. “This victory sends a clear message to al-Shabaab that their attempts to destabilize Somalia will be met with decisive force.”
The ongoing counteroffensive is part of a broader effort to uproot al-Shabaab from strongholds across southern Somalia, securing key population centers and major supply routes ahead of the planned full security handover to Somali forces.
