Al-Shabaab attacks Ethiopian troops base in southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants have claimed to have targeted Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] base in Gedo, a region in Jubaland which has been witnessing skirmishes for the last several months, with elections in Somalia just around the corner.

Through friendly media sites, the Al-Shabaab said they killed two Ethiopian soldiers by using mortar shells, which were fired to the base in Burdhubo town that hosts hundreds of Ethiopian troops who are responsible for security details along the region.

For months, the militants have been targeting army bases in the country as a way of neutralizing the security teams which have been carrying out operations in the region. Most of these attacks have been successfully repelled by the security forces.

Neither AMISOM nor the Ethiopian troops have responded to the claims but usually, the military censors such information for security purposes. The Ethiopian troops rarely give feedback on such incidents especially when they suffer casualties.

Gedo region is majorly under the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and those from Kenya Defense Forces serving in the AMISOM. The teams are also aided by troops from the Somali National Army and Jubaland Security forces.

Meanwhile, the new AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics, Maj. Gen Gerbi Kebede Regassa Wednesday visited Ethiopian troops in Baidoa, the Southwest State of Somalia, where he met with commanders as part of an ongoing familiarisation with the mission.

The commander had replaced Maj General George Owinoh from Kenya whose tenure had ended. AMISOM is a major stakeholder in Somalia's security and the team has managed to capture several Al-Shabaab strongholds in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE