al-Shabab militants
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I What has been described by many as the most intense battle in the recent past between the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), al-Shabab militants has led to the extermination of 50 rebels.
According to a statement issued by AUSSOM in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, the joint military operation has resulted in substantial losses for the terrorist group.
“The 3-day intensive battle which happened in Bariire town in southern Somalia on Friday, led to the killing of 50 al-Shabab militants. Many others in their ranks sustained serious injuries,” AUSSOM said.
It refuted media reports that alleged that there were heavy casualties among its soldiers in Bariire.
“AUSSOM wishes to clarify that its forces, in coordination with the initiated a major offensive to recapture Bariire town on Aug. 1,” the AU mission said.
They were responding to claims made by al-Shabab regarding the destruction of AU-owned armored personnel carriers and the retreat of AUSSOM troops following intense fighting in Bariire.
El Hadji Ibrahima Boly Diene, the special representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia and head of AUSSOM, said that troops are determined to recapture Bariire town and other territories still under al-Shabab control to ensure lasting peace and security for the people of Somalia.
The agriculturally rich Bariire town, which lies about 60 km southwest of Mogadishu, is one of the strategic areas located in the Lower Shabelle region along the Shabelle River.
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