Mogadishu (SD) – Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have killed at least 189 Al Shabab militants in what is being described as the largest offensive by UPDF forces in Somalia.

UDPF spokesman Col Deo Akiiki said yesterday that the attack took place in several villages in southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

“The attack was carried out separately in Siigaale, Adimo and Kayitoy near Janale in the Lower Shabelle region and the forces killed 189 Al Shabab fighters and destroyed many weapons,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman also said that two military vehicles and motorcycles used by Al-Shabaab were destroyed in the attack.

“In a forest called Doncadaafeedow, 7km west of Janale, UPDF forces dispersed Al-Shabaab fighters who were meeting there and wounded many of the officials attending the conference.” Said Col Deo.

The attack was said to have been carried out by helicopter gunships, regularly used by the Ugandan contingent of AMISOM.

Al Shabab has not yet commented on the UPDF forces under AMISOM’s claim.