Mogadishu: Somali, Ugandan and African Union (AU) forces on Thursday killed more than 30 al-Shabaab militants and injured several others during a joint operation in southern Somalia, the AU peacekeeping mission said.

According to Anadolu Agency, the operation was carried out with support from international partners, combining air and ground strikes near the Bulunagaad forward operating base to target al-Shabaab positions and weaken the group's operational capabilities in the Lower Shabelle region. This effort was part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

This offensive followed an attack by terrorists on Somali army and AUSSOM forces, who were pursuing al-Shabaab fighters previously driven out of coastal towns in the Somali army-led Operation Hidden Sword. The peacekeeping mission has committed to continuing its efforts to weaken al-Shabaab's capabilities, aiming to advance peace, stability, and security across the Horn of Africa.

The al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, al-Shabaab, has been conducting an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians. Since July last year, the Somali army, supported by AUSSOM and other international partners, has intensified operations against al-Shabaab.

The AU mission's mandate was renewed by the UN Security Council in December, extending its authorization until Dec. 31, 2026, through a UK-backed resolution.