Somalia: Al-Shabaab attacks military base outside the capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab militants waged a pre-dawn attack on Saturday near the Somali capital Mogadishu, the second terror attack in the headquarters in as many weeks, despite heightened security during the holy month of Ramadan.

Most Muslims in the country are fasting with al-Shabaab taking advantage to wage spontaneous attacks across the country. The militants had lost their war in most parts of Somalia due to commitment by the Somali National Army (SNA) who are taking over security responsibilities.

According to reports, the militants launched a pre-dawn attack on a government base in the vicinity of Busley, near Dhanaane, south of Mogadishu. The vicinity has been peaceful for several months according to authorities.

Significant casualties have been reported as a result of the early Saturday morning attack, according to a source. However, the government is yet to confirm the attack, although police officers have been sighted in the area doing combing.

The base was manned by different units from the Somali military, military police, and  Intelligence forces. The Al-Shabaab usually targets military bases across Somalia and at times, they attack civilians in the Horn of Africa nation.

A senior military police officer identified as Liban Golcad was among the dead. Dozens of soldiers are reportedly missing following the attack. Al-Shabaab claimed it killed more than 57 soldiers.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has launched operations against Al-Shabaab across Somalia, with the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) assisting the Somali National Army, who are assuming security responsibilities in the country.

Somalia is battling against the militants who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions. However, the operation has secured the most strategic regions, including Jubaland and Southwest states, where the second phase of operations will target in subsequent outings.

GAROWE ONLINE