MOGADISHU: Al-Shabaab militants attached a military base located just outside Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, resulting in casualties, according to military sources and eyewitnesses, AFP reported.
The attack, which took place early Saturday morning in the town of Busley, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Mogadishu, targeted a military installation where Somali security forces had established temporary bases for operations against Al-Shabaab, as reported by security officials.
This brazen raid follows a recent attack by Al-Shabaab gunmen on a hotel close to the presidential palace in Mogadishu on March 14, where three persons were killed. It underscores the existing threat posed by the group despite ongoing military efforts to combat their influence.
Al-Shabaab Attacks in Somalia
Mohamed Adan, a military officer from the nearby district of Afgoye, described heavy fighting erupting after the “terrorists” launched their assault on the Busley base.
“In the early hours of the morning, they detonated a vehicle packed with explosives before engaging in direct armed confrontation with our security forces,” Adan told AFP.
He further confirmed the killing of several soldiers, including a commander, in the skirmish. Additionally, Adan mentioned that Al-Shabaab militants ambushed a reinforcement convoy near Dhanaane, resulting in the death of approximately a dozen fighters. However, he assured that Somali forces have since regained control of the area.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had successfully overrun the Busley base and eliminated the base commander. However, these claims remain unverified, with no official comment from the Somali government regarding the incident.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing heavy explosions and gunfire during the assault, further highlighting the intensity of the attack and its impact on nearby communities.
