MOGADISHU, Somalia — African Union forces and Somali security units have recorded major advances against Al-Shabaab in the Lower Shabelle region, reclaiming several strategic towns and restoring vital infrastructure destroyed by the militant group.
Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), praised the “tangible gains” achieved after joint operations cleared Al-Shabaab fighters from Bariire, Sabiid, and Anole. He delivered the remarks on Monday during the reopening of the Sabiid and Caanoole bridges, both destroyed by Al-Shabaab in June.
Kavuma said the successful recapture of the area marked a significant milestone in the first phase of the offensive and thanked international partners — including the United States and Türkiye — for their support. He commended Somali forces and AU troops for their “bravery, courage, and determination” in securing the region.
“The bravery of Somali security forces and AUSSOM troops during the recapture of Bariire and nearby areas has been remarkable. We are committed to completing operations to remove Al-Shabaab entirely from Somalia,” Kavuma said.
The reopening of the Sabiid and Anole bridges — key crossings linking major supply routes southwest of Mogadishu — is expected to restore movement for civilians, boost local trade, and strengthen security operations. Somali officials said the reconstruction was carried out with Turkish support, easing pressure on the federal government at a critical time.
Somalia’s Minister of Defence Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Minister of Interior Ali Yusuf Ali attended the inauguration ceremony, describing the rebuilt bridges as essential to stabilizing liberated communities and enabling further counter-terrorism efforts. State media said the restoration “marks a crucial step in the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing security, boosting the local economy, and restoring freedom of movement.”
The bridges had been destroyed earlier this year as Al-Shabaab militants retreated from the area, blowing up infrastructure — including a telecommunications mast — in an effort to slow advancing Somali and AU troops.
Lower Shabelle remains a key battleground in the fight against Al-Shabaab, with government forces and AUSSOM continuing coordinated operations to clear remaining militant pockets and reinforce newly secured zones.
