A powerful explosion has claimed lives and caused multiple injuries in a targeted attack on government forces in Shalanbood, located in the restive Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.
The explosion, described by witnesses as intense and destructive, targeted a location where Somali government forces were stationed.
According to military officials, the blast resulted in casualties, including fatalities and injuries among the troops. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, military sources indicate that the toll could have been higher had the soldiers not responded quickly.
"Our forces came under attack from Al-Shabaab, but we managed to repel their assault. Unfortunately, we suffered losses, though our troops are still in control of the area." A senior military officer, speaking under the condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack, stated.
Following the explosion, government forces conducted limited operations in and around Shalanbood, searching for remaining militants and ensuring the area was secure. The security situation has since stabilized, though tensions remain high.
Shortly after the attack, Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group responsible for numerous deadly attacks across Somalia, claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement released through their media channels, the group boasted of killing at least one government soldier and wounding three others in the blast.
Al-Shabaab has long been a destabilizing force in Somalia, particularly in regions like Lower Shabelle, where their insurgency has hampered government efforts to establish lasting peace and security. Today's attack is part of a larger strategy by the group to challenge Somali authorities through guerrilla-style tactics, including roadside bombings and hit-and-run assaults on military positions.
In the wake of the attack, Somali government forces in Lower Shabelle have been conducting a series of security operations aimed at eradicating Al-Shabaab militants from the region. These operations, which have intensified in recent weeks, have resulted in the liberation of several key areas from Al-Shabaab's control, though the group continues to mount fierce resistance.
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"We are steadily reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab, and while they attempt to slow us down with such cowardly attacks, our forces remain committed to securing this region," said a military spokesperson.
The government's current campaign in Lower Shabelle has seen intensified efforts to dislodge militants from their strongholds, with local communities playing a crucial role in providing intelligence and logistical support to government forces.
Lower Shabelle has long been a hotspot in Somalia's struggle against Al-Shabaab. The region's strategic importance, with its proximity to the capital Mogadishu and the country's southern coastlines, has made it a key battleground in the fight to stabilize Somalia.
Over the years, Al-Shabaab has maintained a presence in this region, using it as a base to launch attacks on both military and civilian targets.
Just weeks ago, Somali forces, backed by African Union peacekeepers, launched a major offensive to clear Al-Shabaab from several towns in the region. Despite these efforts, the group continues to conduct deadly ambushes, bombings, and hit-and-run attacks.
