Somalia: Al Shabaab claims raid on Bossaso police compound

BOSSASO, Somalia, April 18, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somalia’s Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group claimed credit for raid on police compound in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement released online, the militant group said at least three of their fighters targeted Balade police station in New Bossaso neighborhood with rocket propelled grenades.

Meanwhile, Bari regional police commander Abdihakin Yusuf Hussein said on VOA Somali service that station commander sustained minor injuries in the attack.

Al Shabaab claims come two months after similar assault left a soldier wounded, and pick-up truck destroyed at Balade police compound.

Militants honed military-style ambushes and night raids in Puntland’s most populous city, Bossaso.

The port city has been grappling with large influx of migrants fleeing from Yemen civil war.

Puntland Defence Forces and Al Shabaab fighters fought in sporadic battles in the rugged terrain of Galgala and hideouts along Golis Mountain ranges.

Analysts believe that joint military campaign by African Union peacekeepers and Somali government forces in central and southern Somalia forced Al Shabaab remnants to migrate northwards towards Puntland.

GAROWE ONLINE