AU Forces Foil Attack on Military Bases in Somalia

Addis Ababa July 26, 2025 (ENA) -- African Union (AU) troops backed by Somali security forces thwarted an attack on military bases by a militant group in Sabiid-Anole town, located southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

The AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said al-Shabab fighters had launched a coordinated attack on military bases on Friday manned by AU troops and Somali National Armed Forces in the early hours of the day.

"The joint forces successfully repelled the terrorists, forcing them to retreat swiftly," AUSSOM said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses said the assault erupted with a series of explosions in the nearby villages before the two sides exchanged gunfire.

During the engagement, several militants were killed while others escaped, severely injured, the AU mission said.

"Various munitions were also seized from the fleeing militants," it said, noting that the allied forces maintain control of the targeted military bases, which were liberated from al-Shabab in June.

AUSSOM said a major military operation is underway to locate and apprehend the remaining fighters and their allies.

Meanwhile, the mission assured the safety and security of residents of Sabiid-Anole town and the surrounding areas.

Sabiid-Anole town, in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, is one of the strategic objectives that is now under the control of the allied troops, according to Xinuhua.

The incident came as the joint forces have intensified operations recently to weaken al-Shabab in the southern region and put the remaining towns under their control.

The extremist group frequently targets military bases and government facilities in Mogadishu and elsewhere across Somalia as part of efforts to topple the internationally backed government.