Al-Shabaab Targets Military Bases Near Somali Capital With Bomb-Laden Assault

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabaab militants launched coordinated attacks on two military outposts near Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, triggering heavy clashes with Somali forces and African Union troops, officials and witnesses said on Friday.

The assaults targeted bases in the Sabiid and Caanoole areas of the Lower Shabelle region, where Somali National Army (SNA) troops and Ugandan forces serving under the African Union Mission are stationed. The attacks began with powerful explosions, followed by intense gun battles.

Preliminary reports indicated casualties on both sides, including deaths and injuries, though exact figures remain unconfirmed as fighting continued into the noon. Sabiid and Caanoole were liberated from Al-Shabaab last month during Operation Silent Storm, which claimed the lives of seven Ugandan soldiers.

Residents said Al-Shabaab fighters briefly seized control of both towns after government and ATMIS forces reportedly withdrew under pressure. “Gunfire is still echoing, and people are afraid to leave their homes,” one witness told Garowe Online by phone.

Sabiid and Caanoole, located in the vicinity of Afgooye district, 30 km southwest of Mogadishu and considered strategically important, were recently retaken from Al-Shabaab in a joint military operation. That earlier offensive resulted in heavy casualties, including the deaths of seven Ugandan soldiers, according to Uganda’s government.

The Somali government and AU mission have not yet issued official statements regarding Friday’s attacks. The government troops lost Aadan Yabaal [Middle Shabelle region] and Moqokori [Hiiraan region] towns to Al-Shabaab since April 2025.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida-linked group, continues to launch deadly raids across Somalia in its ongoing effort to topple the internationally backed government based in Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE