A sizable number of Somalis residing in the Buulo Mareer area have resumed normal life in the area, which on May 26, 2023, became a battleground between the Al-Shabaab terrorists and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) after the UPDF recaptured the area.
“Somali civilians who had abandoned the area due to the firefight are now back to reoccupy their homes,” UPDF spokesperson Brig. Felix Kulayigye said.
According to Brig Gen Peter Gaetano Omola, the sector one commander overseeing the operation at Goloweyn tactical base, after a thorough combing of the area, there is normalcy. He added that civilians and travelers were free to carry on with their normal duties.
“We have combed the area to ensure no Al-Shabaab element is hiding, and the road has been cleared of bombs. Normalcy has returned. People can now go on with their daily work.” Brig. Gen. Omola said.
According to Omola, the combatants on the ground have been armed with sophisticated weaponry, and the hunt for terrorists is a no retreat, no surrender operation.
He also assured safety to the people of Somalia, stating that the UPDF, serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), remains committed to supporting a Somali-led peace and stability process as mandated by the African Union.
According to Kulayigye, the UPDF combined armed infantry and motorized units and recaptured Buulo Mareer town and the surrounding villages from the Al-Shabaab terror group. The rescue combat force met resistance from Al-Shabaab sniper fire positioned in high-rise buildings and other pockets of resistance from fleeing remnants.
This has come after President Museveni revealed in a statement released on May 28, 2023, that the attack was a missed opportunity for the UPDF to annihilate the insurgents, but noted that they (Al-Shabaab) will regret their actions.
“The operations are continuing, and they will regret their actions. Condolences to the country and the families of those who died.” President Museveni said.
President Museveni also revealed that before the recent attack, the UPDF had successfully operated in Somalia since 2007.
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