Al-Shabaab Raid on Somalia Outpost Linked to Military Overhaul, Leaves Two Dead

BAIDOA, Somalia - Multiple security sources have linked Sunday's al-Shabaab raid in a military base within Baidoa to a recent security overhaul that saw several soldiers transferred to nearby bases while others sought reinforcements elsewhere.

The Al-Shabaab militants targeted an outpost within Baidoa, the regional administrative capital of Southwest, killing two individuals after hours of a gunfight. The Sunday early morning incident left three other people critically injured.

According to sources, some of the security officers in the outpost were recently dispatched to the Yaqbariweyne area to reinforce regional forces in a dispute over a checkpoint involving local militias. Such disputes are common in Somalia.

Yet again, about 20 paramilitary forces were also transferred from the same outpost and deployed in Barawe town. This, sources said, created a gap that was exploited by the militants who have long sought to control the region.

Heavy fighting broke out between the two parties, leading to the aforementioned deaths and injuries. Security teams confirmed that the attack by the militants was foiled after hours of battle, with some choosing to retreat after they were overpowered.

It’s a rare attack by Al-Shabaab in the morning at a security outpost in Baidoa, officials said, while confirming the defeat inflicted on the militants who are keen to overthrow the government of Somalia. The outpost is manned by the Southwest region paramilitary forces.

The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab has kicked off in Southwest and Jubaland states, with the military working closely together with regional forces and local militias. The al-Shabaab on the other hand have been targeting military bases.

While this strategy hasn't effectively worked, the government of Somalia is determined to eradicate the dangers posed by the militants through close collaboration with stakeholders as a means of fostering peace, security, trade, and development in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE