Somalia Hails Capture of Strategic Town from Al-Shabaab After Major Battle

In a significant victory against the al-Shabaab insurgency, the Somali National Army (SNA) announced the successful recapture of Barire, a strategically important town in the Lower Shabelle region. The operation, carried out with the support of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces, marks one of the most notable military achievements in recent months.

According to military sources, the battle for Barire was fierce and prolonged, with both sides sustaining casualties. Barire, located about 60 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, has long been a key stronghold for al-Shabaab due to its fertile farmlands and strategic road connections linking major towns in southern Somalia. Controlling Barire allows government forces to cut off important supply and movement routes used by the insurgents.

The Somali government hailed the capture as a critical step toward dismantling al-Shabaab’s operational network in the region. In a statement, the Ministry of Defense praised the bravery and resilience of the troops, noting that the offensive was part of a broader national campaign to liberate all areas under militant control. Officials stressed that this success sends a clear message: Somalia’s security forces are increasingly capable of reclaiming territory and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

Residents of Barire, many of whom had been living under militant control for years, welcomed the arrival of government forces. Reports from local witnesses indicate that al-Shabaab fighters fled the town after heavy clashes, leaving behind weapons and ammunition. The SNA, alongside ATMIS troops, immediately began clearing operations to remove improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ensure the area was safe for civilians to return.

Military analysts say the fall of Barire will have a ripple effect on al-Shabaab’s ability to operate in Lower Shabelle. The town’s location is vital for controlling agricultural output and road transport in the region. Its loss deprives the insurgents of an important base for launching attacks on Mogadishu and nearby districts.

However, officials caution that while this victory is significant, the fight against al-Shabaab is far from over. The militant group has shown resilience in the past, often retreating into rural hideouts to regroup and launch counter-attacks. To address this, Somali authorities plan to deploy stabilization forces to Barire to maintain security and rebuild local governance structures.

Humanitarian agencies are also preparing to assist displaced families returning to their homes. Years of militant rule have left basic services in disrepair, and local infrastructure will need immediate rehabilitation. Water systems, schools, and health facilities will be priorities in the stabilization plan.

The capture of Barire comes amid an intensified government push, supported by international partners, to weaken al-Shabaab’s hold across southern and central Somalia. Officials hope that sustained pressure will force the group into retreat, creating conditions for lasting peace and development.

For now, the victory in Barire stands as a symbol of Somali resilience and determination. It reinforces the belief that with continued cooperation between Somali forces, ATMIS, and the local population, the country can reclaim its territories and move closer to the goal of a secure and stable future.