Somalia’s campaign against Al-Shabaab includes joint operations by Somali forces and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), plus bilateral troop deployments reported by The EastAfrican. That mix faces a new test: Uganda has begun withdrawing forces, and all Ugandan troops are expected to leave by the end of 2027, according to a statement by military spokesman Col. Chris Magezi reported by the Associated Press.
AUSSOM said Somali National Armed Forces and its troops, working with international partners, captured and secured Daarusalaam and Mubarak in Lower Shabelle on March 2. On April 10, it reported another operation against Al-Shabaab positions in Buulo Abdala and Madulo, supported by air cover. The mission said forces later cleared and secured the areas.
The mission did not identify the provider of that air cover. U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) separately confirmed a U.S. airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab near Dhooble Airport on Oct. 17, about 180 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, but withheld details about the units and assets involved. Its public register listed 90 strikes in Somalia during 2026 when checked Nov. 3, including a February strike against ISIS-Somalia.
