Somalia: Puntland forces ambushed in a landmine explosion, 2 soldiers killed

BOSSASO, Puntland- A roadside bomb blast struck an army convoy carrying Puntland troops positioned in Galgala Mountains located south of the commercial city of Bossaso in Bari region on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

The military convoy belongs to Puntland Maritime Police Forces (PMPF) was targeted in an IED blast planted on the roadside as they were moving from Galgala towards Bossaso city. The blast was reported to kill 2 soldiers and wounding 12 others,” said the sources.

Though the militant group has not claimed responsibility, but they previously planted roadside bombs targeting security officers.

Galgala mountains near Bosaso, was a stronghold area for the militant group in the past, and have been the scene of Al Shabaab attacks over the past few years.

Puntland forces have bases near Galgala and been fighting Al Shabaab group in the areas, however, Puntland government officials haven’t released a statement in regard to the attack on the security forces.

This comes amid preparation to mobilize Puntland security forces to launch anti-terror operations against Islamic State (ISIS) franchise in Somalia, whose fighters have captured Qandala coastal village in late October.

Puntland, located northeastern of Somalia, has been relatively stable compared to the rest of the country but attacks by the terrorist groups are posing serious risks to the stability of the region.

GAROWEONLINE