Monday March 9, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — The commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) visited the recently captured town of Mubarak on Friday to assess troop readiness following a joint operation that ousted al-Shabab fighters from key positions in Lower Shabelle.
Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma toured the town alongside Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) commanders, reviewing security positions and meeting troops involved in the offensive that secured Mubarak and nearby Daarusalaam.
Kavuma praised the “resilience, bravery and commitment” of the joint forces, crediting coordinated planning and execution for the outcome. He thanked AUSSOM leadership, UPDF contingents, Somali troops and international partners for what he described as their continued sacrifice in support of Somalia’s security transition.
Sector One Commander Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja said troop morale remained high and that forces were prepared to consolidate territorial gains and prevent militant regrouping.
Battle Group 44 Commander Col. Owiny Akena, who also served as the operation’s field commander, confirmed that Mubarak and Daarusalaam are now fully under joint control.
On behalf of the Somali army, Lt. Sayidnuur Abdullah Warsame expressed appreciation for AUSSOM’s support, describing cooperation between the forces as critical to the mission’s success.
During a meeting with local residents, Kavuma thanked the community for cooperating with security forces and encouraged efforts toward stabilization and economic recovery.
Community members welcomed the presence of government and African Union troops, saying the return of security would allow displaced families to consider returning and local markets to reopen.
Mubarak has long been viewed as a strategic location for al-Shabab operations in Lower Shabelle, serving as a transit and staging area for attacks targeting the capital and surrounding districts.
