Somalia: Security forces targeted in bomb blast at checkpoint in Lower Shabelle
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- Posted On 08-05-2017, 12:59PM
JANALE, Somalia- At least 2 government soldiers were killed, and 2 others wounded after a landmine explosion has rocked a security checkpoint in Lower Shabelle region on Monday, Garowe Online reports.
An official in the region confirmed to GO that a massive remote-controlled Improvised explosive device (IED) struck an army outpost in Kabtan-Las village, located 100 kilometers southwest of the Somali capital Mogadishu.
The official spoke under condition of anonymity added that the attack was likely carried out by al-Shabaab militants, as there had been a step up in violence coinciding with today's visit by Somali President to the region.
The armed group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the IED attack on its affiliated media outlets.
Earlier in the day, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo accompanied by high-ranking officials paid a surprise visit to Afgoye district and met with Southwest state leader Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden.
Al-Qaida-linked militants, who are aiming to overthrow the UN-backed Somalia's Federal government, has been blamed for a string of attacks, including suicide bombs and assassinations in Somalia.
GAROWEONLINE
