... the personification of Somali state failure...murderous Moslems launched coordinated attacks on two military outposts near Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, triggering heavy festivities with Somali forces and African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
troops, officials and witnesses said on Friday.
The assaults targeted bases in the Sabiid and Caanoole areas of the Lower Shabelle region, where Somali National Army (SNA) troops and Ugandan forces serving under the African Union Mission are stationed. The attacks began with powerful explosions, followed by intense shootouts.
Preliminary reports indicated casualties on both sides, including deaths and injuries, though exact figures remain unconfirmed as fighting continued into the noon. Sabiid and Caanoole were liberated from al-Shabaab last month during Operation Silent Storm, which claimed the lives of seven Ugandan soldiers.
Residents said al-Shabaab fighters briefly seized control of both towns after government and ATMIS forces reportedly withdrew under pressure. "Gunfire is still echoing, and people are afraid to leave their homes," one witness told Garowe Online by phone.
Sabiid and Caanoole, located in the vicinity of Afgooye district, 30 km southwest of Mogadishu and considered strategically important, were recently retaken from al-Shabaab in a joint military operation. That earlier offensive resulted in heavy casualties, including the deaths of seven Ugandan soldiers, according to Uganda’s government.
The Somali government and AU mission have not yet issued official statements regarding Friday’s attacks. The government troops lost Aadan Yabaal [Middle Shabelle region] and Moqokori [Hiiraan region] towns to al-Shabaab since April 2025.
SNA and AUSSOM response:
Somali, AU Troops Push Back Al-Shabaab Offensive Near the Capital[Garowe] The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Forces, along with the Somali National Army (SNA), repelled a would-be deadly Al-Shabaab attack within Lower Shabelle, the Ministry of Defence said, adding that 18 militants were killed.
The raid, which happened near Sabiid-Anole area, was orchestrated by the militants who are trying to push the military back, despite numerous gains made in several frontlines across the Federal Republic of Somalia, which has fought instability for three decades.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence thanked the military for their coordination, adding that civilians survived the attack. At least four soldiers died during the confrontation in Lower Shabelle, sources said.
"Somali National Army and AUSSOM forces have successfully repelled a significant Al-Shabaab attack in Lower Shabelle today, eliminating 18 militants. Four brave SNA soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, with seven others sustaining injuries," MoD said.
"The joint forces valiantly defended civilians, with crucial aerial support aiding in this decisive victory. Somalia remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and security."
Earlier, the Al-Shabaab fighters claimed to have taken control of the region after launching a large-scale attack against the Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) working within South of Mogadishu. The group published purported photos of them controlling Sabiid-Anole.
In a statement, Al-Shabaab claimed to have overrun Somali army and Ugandan peacekeeper bases in Sabiid, alleging heavy casualties among what it called “crusader forces and apostate militias.” The group also asserted that it had seized weapons and military vehicles.