Joint forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Somali National Army (SNA) have captured a senior Al-Shabaab commander during a coordinated operation in Mubaraka.
The operation, conducted under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), led to the arrest of Salaad Cusmaan Macalin, also known as “Sahm,” on Wednesday in the north-western outskirts of Mubaraka.
Macalin, 40, is a battalion commander within Al-Shabaab. He was reportedly conducting reconnaissance on SNA defensive positions ahead of a planned attack.
Security sources said he was operating with a group of fighters, including about 17 foreign militants who had recently moved from Jilib to Ugunji.
The Sector One Commander, Brigadier General Jackson Kayanja, praised the troops for the successful mission.
He described the capture as a major breakthrough in efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity in the region.
Brig Gen Kayanja urged local leaders and communities to continue cooperating with security forces to improve stability and security.
UPDF troops under AUSSOM are working closely with the Somali National Army to neutralize terrorist threats and support efforts to restore lasting peace in Somalia.
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