Somalia: Al-Shabaab launches simultaneous attacks in Mogadishu
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 23-08-2023, 06:51AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab terrorist group carried out two simultaneous attacks in Mogadishu's southern suburbs on Wednesday, officials said, amid an ongoing crackdown against the militants, who control large swathes of rural settlements in the Horn of Africa nation.
Wednesday morning attack left three soldiers dead and several others injured, following a gun battle between security forces and al-Shabaab militants in Kahda district, southern Mogadishu, security officials said, while confirming the deadly attack.
Police reports indicate that the battle between the two parties ensued at midnight, around 1:40 a.m. on Wednesday after the Al-Shabaab targeted four areas within Kahda District in the Banadir region. Areas targeted are the police station, the local administrative headquarters, and two security outposts, eyewitnesses said.
According to officials, the heaviest attack targeted the police station where the militants detonated a car bomb. Police personnel fought back and repelled the militants. The militants then fired several bazookas at the station as they retreated, the Voice of America reports.
Kahda lies at the southern edge of Mogadishu, neighbouring Lower Shabelle region areas such as Gandarshe, Elasha, and Arbacow where the militants can sneak in to carry out attacks. The area is prone to deadly Al-Shabaab attacks within the capital, Mogadishu.
The attack comes at the time the national army is preparing an assault against Al-Shabaab militants within central regions and southern areas of the country. Already, military activities have been activated in Galmadug and HirShabelle states where the first phase of operations against the group were conducted.
According to the plan, the second phase of operations will target Jubaland and Southwest states and already, the government of Jubaland has started mobilizing local troops. Al-Shabaab group has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia for the last two decades.
GAROWE ONLINE
