The African Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom) and the Somali Armed Forces have recaptured strategic locations of Sabiid and Anole in the southern region from al-Shabaab, the AU mission said on Sunday.

Aussom said in a statement issued in Mogadishu that this followed a three-day joint operation, codenamed "Operation Silent Storm", which was aimed at liberating areas under al-Shabaab control in the Lower Shabelle region.

Aussom Sector One Commander Joseph Ssemwanga emphasised that joint operations would continue in Middle Shabelle until the threat posed by al-Shabaab is effectively eliminated.

"Sabiid-Anole has become a strategic location since March, where terrorists plan deadly attacks, conceal ammunition, including vehicles for vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, and establish illegal checkpoints to extort locals," Ssemwanga said.

The two areas are often reffered as a single strategic area.
During the joint operation, several al-Shabaab fighters were neutralised during a prolonged siege of their hideouts in various parts of the villages, Aussom said.
The AU mission said that the forces also seized a substantial amount of ammunition from fleeing militants and cleared improvised explosive devices planted in communities and supply routes.

Aussom Force Commander Sam Kavuma said that the pan-African mission is fully committed to implementing the Somalia Transition Plan, which will culminate in the transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces.
"I commend the brave efforts of our gallant Aussom Ugandan troops and the Somali National Army in degrading al-Shabab," Kavuma said.

Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the Somali National Army, also confirmed that "Operation Silent Storm" successfully dismantled al-Shabaab's presence in the two villages.

The allied forces are currently securing the recaptured villages and clearing remaining pockets of al-Shabaab terrorists in Lower Shabelle's Afgooye District.



The impact of an Al Shabaab improvised explosive device.