Ugandan and Somali forces have taken full control of Sabiid-Anole town in Somalia after pushing out Al-Shabaab terrorists in a joint military operation.

The town is in the Lower Shabelle region, where the terrorists had created a strong base.

In a statement released on June 22, 2025 by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, noting that the operation codenamed “Silent Storm” lasted three days.

“The offensive led to the full recapture of the town,” the ministry said.

It added that thirty (30) Al-Shabaab fighters were killed, weapons were recovered, and several bombs (IEDs) were safely removed.

“I commend the bravery of our gallant AUSSOM-UPDF troops and the Somali National Army. This operation is part of our continued effort to degrade Al-Shabaab,” said Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, the AUSSOM Force Commander.

He added that the goal is to help Somalia take full control of its own security.

Brig Gen Joseph Musoke Ssemwanga, commander of Sector One, said Sabiid-Anole had become a key place for terrorists to plan attacks and collect money from civilians using illegal checkpoints.

“Since March, this town had become a strategic location for the terrorists,” he said.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Somali National Army (SNA) on 14 June 2025 launched Operation “SILENT STORM” to recapture the previously lost Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) of Sabiid Anole, Aw Degeele, and Bariire.

Today, Uganda has the largest contingent under AUSSOM with 6,223 troops based in Sector 1, which includes Banadir (Mogadishu), Middle, and Lower Shabelle regions.

Uganda was the first country to send troops under AMISOM in March 2007.